Watch Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq

Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq is a poignant documentary film that explores the lives of several American soldiers who have returned home from fighting in Iraq. Released in 2007, the film was directed by Jon Alpert and Ellen Goosenberg Kent and features narration by the late James Gandolfini. It also includes interviews with soldiers, their families, and medical professionals who have treated them.

The film's title refers to the soldiers' "alive day," the day that they survived a near-fatal attack or injury during their time in Iraq. For many of the soldiers featured in the film, their alive day is a bittersweet moment, as they are forever grateful to be alive, but also struggle with physical and mental scars that make everyday life a challenge.

One soldier featured in the documentary is Dawn Halfaker, who lost her right arm during an ambush in Iraq. She talks candidly about her struggles to adjust to life without her dominant arm, as well as her fears that she will never find love or get married. Despite these challenges, she remains incredibly resilient and refuses to let her injury define her.

Another soldier featured in the film is Dexter Pitts, an Army medic who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving two tours in Iraq. He describes his experience of constantly being surrounded by death and destruction, leaving him with feelings of guilt and survivor's remorse. Through therapy and the support of his family, he manages to make progress in his battle with PTSD.

The film also features interviews with medical professionals who treat soldiers returning from Iraq. A doctor at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., talks about the challenges of treating soldiers with severe injuries like amputations or traumatic brain injuries. He describes how his team works to create customized treatment plans that address each soldier's unique needs and goals.

Overall, Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq provides a sobering look at the toll that war takes on soldiers and their families. The film does not glorify war or politics, instead choosing to focus on the personal struggles of soldiers who have returned home from Iraq. It also highlights the incredible resilience and determination of these soldiers, who refuse to let their injuries define them and continue to live their lives to the fullest.

In conclusion, if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the physical and psychological impact of war on soldiers who serve in Iraq, Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq is a must-watch documentary. Through the soldiers' personal stories, viewers can gain a newfound perspective on the importance of supporting and recognizing the sacrifices made by military servicemen and women.

Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.