Ep 7. Fighting Men
- April 2, 1982
- 50 min
We'll Meet Again is a documentary series that explores the power and resilience of the human spirit through the prism of the past. Each episode focuses on real-life stories of people from different backgrounds who were separated by conflict, war, or other major events in history. Hosted by historian Ann Curry, the series follows these individuals as they journey back in time to reunite with people who played a pivotal role in their lives.
In season 1, episode 7, titled Fighting Men, We'll Meet Again tells the emotional stories of men who have served their country in times of war. The episode features two main segments, each focusing on a different conflict: World War II and the Vietnam War.
In the first segment, we meet two men who were stationed together during World War II. George Brewster and John Magee were both part of the 101st Airborne Division, and they fought across Europe during the war. After the war ended, George returned home to his family, but lost touch with John. Decades later, George's daughter decided to try and find John as a surprise for her father's birthday.
Ann Curry accompanies the Brewster family on their journey to find John Magee. They discover that John had passed away, but they were able to meet his daughter, who had never met George's family. Through their shared memories and stories, the two families find a sense of closure and connection.
The second segment of the episode focuses on Vietnam War veterans. We are introduced to two men, Mike Daly and John Devitt, who were both deployed to Vietnam in the 1960s. Mike and John had lost touch with each other after the war, but in recent years, they both became involved with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Ann Curry joins Mike and John as they visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Together, they reflect on their experiences in the war and the impact that the memorial has had on veterans and their families. Their reunion is powerful and emotional, as they recall the sacrifices they made and the bond they formed while serving their country.
Throughout the episode, the theme of brotherhood and camaraderie among soldiers is explored. We see how the bonds formed during wartime can last a lifetime and transcend differences in age, race, and background. The veterans featured in Fighting Men speak candidly about their experiences and the challenges they faced upon returning home from war.
We'll Meet Again offers a unique perspective on history, presenting it through the personal stories of those who lived it. The emotional reunions and heartfelt conversations featured in the Fighting Men episode are a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring spirit of those who have served their country.