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The War: Companion Guide for the PBS Documentary Film Series

This guide enhances the viewing experience of this epic yet intimate look at those who sacrificed so much to serve their country during World War II. This film is directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Introduction

The War: A Ken Burns Film
Image from The War, the documentary film directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. 2007. Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

As a partner with PBS, filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, on The War, the Veterans History Project (VHP) offers this special companion guide to enhance the viewing experience of this epic yet intimate look at those who sacrificed so much to serve their country during World War II. Select an episode link to view stories from veterans whose collections are now part of the Library of Congress.

Burns and Novick filmed original interview material for The War. This VHP Web feature offers you a chance to experience some of the events depicted in The War, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to V-E and V-J Day, through additional interviews--as well as letters, diaries, and memoirs--found in the Veterans History Project archives. We’ve outlined topics covered in each of the seven episodes of The War. Highlighted topics are linked to lists of veterans from our archives who participated in those events. The contents of each collection featured in this Viewers Companion may be accessed on line. These lists of World War II veterans represent a small sample of our collections from that war. We need your participation in the Veterans History Project, either as a veteran with a story or as an interviewer. Find out how to participate and learn more about the project.

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About the Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.