(MEDIA INTERVIEW OPPS AVAILABLE)
DEBT OF HONOR examines the way in which the American government and society as a whole have regarded disabled veterans throughout history, beginning in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War and continuing through today's conflicts in the Middle East. The film combines personal stories, told by distinguished disabled veterans, with deep history narrated by leading scholars in the fields of disability studies, history and psychology to illustrate the human cost of war and the enormous sacrifices of military service. These sacrifices are brought to life through hundreds of carefully curated still images and archival footage from across the country.
"The goal of this film is to try to understand the realities and challenges that disabled veterans have faced throughout history and continue to face today," says Burns. "There is a real necessity to bridge the gap between civilians and those who have served in the military. It is our hope that the film will encourage a candid discussion in communities across the country, and create understanding and awareness of the sacrifices involved in military service."
KLRN and Patriots’ Casa (at Texas A&M University San Antonio) will host a FREE screening event on October 21 and will be joined by the film director, Ric Burns. A reception starts at 6pm and the film and discussion follows, starting at 7pm. The discussion will be led by Sig Christianson of the San Antonio Express-News.
- WHAT: KLRN Film Screening, featuring Director Ric Burns
- WHEN: Oct 21, 6pm Reception, 7-9pm Screening & Discussion
- WHERE: Patriots’ Casa, Texas A&M University. Click here for map
- COST: FREE. RSVP Required
Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Officer and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS, said, "PBS has broadcast numerous documentaries and programs that highlight the reality of life in the military, as well as in-depth shows that focus on some of the challenges confronted by returning veterans. We look forward to sharing the film with all Americans timed to this coming Veterans Day."
"As a Vietnam veteran, I believe this initiative will help in bridging the divide between the military and public," says NEH Chairman William Adams. "NEH is committed to projects that use the humanities to inspire public discussion of the important issues of our time, and this new film offers a compelling way to open up meaningful dialogue about the service and sacrifice of disabled veterans."
A poignant tribute to the history of disabled veterans in the U.S., DEBT OF HONOR is an unflinching portrait of the realities of warfare and disabilities. The program features illuminating interviews with some of the country's most prominent disabled veterans, including U.S. Representative Tammy Duckworth (Illinois); former U.S. Senator and Veterans Affairs Administrator Max Cleland (Georgia); former Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, Col. Gregory Gadson; and actor, motivational speaker and Iraq War Army veteran J.R. Martinez. Gadson, a double amputee veteran of the war in Iraq who shares his experiences on camera, calls DEBT OF HONOR "one of the most accurate and balanced productions I have ever seen. It should be mandatory viewing for all high school civics classes."
About PBS
PBS, with more than 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 103 million people through television and over 33 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions.
About Ric Burns and Steeplechase Films
Steeplechase Films is the award-winning production company founded by Ric Burns in 1989. Director, writer, and producer Ric Burns began his career co-writing and producing the celebrated PBS series The Civil War (1990) and has since directed over 30 hours of award-winning films, including Coney Island (1991), The Donner Party (1992), The Way West (1995), Ansel Adams (2002), Eugene O'Neill (2006), Andy Warhol (2006), We Shall Remain: Tecumseh's Vision (2009), New York: A Documentary Film (1999-2003), Death and the Civil War (2012), and Enquiring Minds (2014). 2015 will see the release of American Ballet Theatre: A History; Debt of Honor: Disabled Veterans in American History, and The Pilgrims.
For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS Press Room at pressroom.pbs.org.
About KLRN
KLRN is the Emmy-Award winning Public Television station for South Central Texas and broadcasts to a 30-county radius. The mission of KLRN is to use the power of communications to provide quality programs and services which advance education, culture and community, to enrich the lives of people throughout our community and beyond. www.KLRN.org.
