The forecasts are in and here in Philadelphia as well as in the surrounding areas, the weather is looking like it will be perfect for all the typical Memorial Day festivities, like beach trips, visits to Old City, barbecues, picnics, parades, and fireworks. We Americans love food, parties, and the great outdoors, and that's the perfect recipe for a great Memorial Day! Don't forget, as many often do, the real purpose of this holiday, which is all too real for many families who have lost relatives and friends to the treacheries of war. With the extra time on your hands, it might be a nice idea to reflect on the fallen soldiers, men and women, of our country's armed forces. So sit back and watch a movie or documentary that showcases the struggle these brave men and women of our country have gone through to protect their fellow citizens sitting back and watching the movies. Memorial Day is for remembering, so if you can't get out to the memorial sites or volunteer to help veterans in the community, take the time to watch, reflect, and remember. Whether it's a classic take on WWII or a Netflix documentary on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, these films will open your eyes to the importance of honor, sacrifice, and true American heroes.
1. "Lone Survivor"
On Memorial Day at 8 pm on FX, you can catch this recent war movie released in 2013; "Lone Survivor" stars Mark Wahlberg and tells a story based on true events that took place on a mountain side in Afghanistan, between Marcus Luttrell and his fellow Navy SEALs and the local Taliban fighters. It isn't a movie for the faint of heart, not only is it rated R for language and violence. This dark film has the power to make you physically tremble with anguish. But it will also help you understand the sacrifices soldiers make and the brutal reality they face when they step into combat.
2. "Saving Private Ryan"
Another gut-wrenching film, released in 1998 and starring Tom Hanks, is airing on the History Channel at 5 pm on Memorial Day. The WWII movie begins as a sad story in which a mother has lost three of her four sons to the war, but her fourth son, Private Ryan, is somewhere still alive, and so Tom Hanks' character takes a squad of men to find the private and return Mrs. Ryan's last son home to her. As the journey unfolds, each of the men on the hunt to track him down make endless sacrifices, not only for their country but for a mother who has lost almost everything.
3. "Restrepo"
A photographer and journalist follow a US platoon stationed in the distant Korengal valley of Afghanistan for a year. Released in 2010 and available now on Netflix, this film was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary. The soldiers open up to the cameras about their struggles and the orders they must follow, highlighting that war is not glamorous in real life. Even without narration, this film is highly informative of America's most recent war and will leave a lasting impression. There is also a sequel titled Korengal, which can also be found on Netflix.
4. "The Green Berets"
Fans of John Wayne might want to tune in to AMC at 1 pm this Memorial Day to view this 1968 classic. Wayne plays the role of Colonel Mike Kirby, leader of a group of U.S special forces during the Vietnam War. Also, if you enjoy older movies like this one, John Wayne stars in another war movie taking place during WWII in 1945. The film, "They Were Expendable," though it seems not to be airing on television this Memorial Day, includes more drama and tells a story involving the US's defense of the Philippines.
5. "Unsung Heroes"
Although this documentary is not yet well known, premiering on television in 2014, it encompasses many true stories of the strong women who have fought for our country. Beginning with the Revolutionary War and leading up to modern war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the women of our country were faced with just as many struggles as men on and off the battlefield. Today modern war brings about many more obstacles for women in combat roles. This documentary helps remind us that War is not just a man's game, and women have constantly played an important part throughout history and especially today.
6. "Forrest Gump"
In case you haven't already seen it, "Forrest Gump" is a must-watch movie on Netflix for anyone who lives in America and/or enjoys an amazing film. Though Tom Hanks' character Forrest spends a short portion of the movie in combat during the Vietnam war, the image of a soldier holding his dying friend on the battle field will undoubtedly stick with everyone who has viewed that heart-wrenching scene. Plus, the movie is filled with plenty more sad and happy moments that will teach you about the battles of love, friendship, life and death.
