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Soldiers

Veterans Honored by Producers of HBO Miniseries "The Pacific"

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

About 250 veterans visited the National World War II Memorial for the first time Thursday, where they were honored by producers Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg in advance of their new HBO series, "The Pacific." The non-profit Honor Flight Network, partnered with HBO, American Airlines, and Marriott Hotels and Resorts, sponsored the trip for the veterans in conjunction with a special viewing of the miniseries. The event, which took place at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., brought together veterans who served in the Pacific World War II theater, including those who fought in Guadalcanal and Okinawa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Honor Flight Network sponsored the trip for 250 veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial and watch a special screening of the HBO miniseries "The Pacific."
  • The event was organized in conjunction with HBO, American Airlines, and Marriott Hotels and Resorts, and featured producers Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg honoring the veterans who inspired their series.
  • Many of the veterans served in the Pacific World War II theater, including those who fought in Guadalcanal and Okinawa.
  • Producers Hanks and Spielberg took time to honor the contributions of the veterans, saying that they embodied the strength and courage of the "greatest generation."
  • Former Senator Elizabeth Dole spoke at the ceremony, quoting Gen. George Marshall and saying that it was the "best darn kids" who won the war.
  • Illinois National Guardsman Tammy Duckworth, the assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and W. Scott Gould, deputy secretary of the VA, also attended the event.
  • The veterans later got an exclusive look at the first episode of "The Pacific," while Hanks and Spielberg joined President Obama at the White House for a private screening.

Statistics:

  • 250 veterans visited the National World War II Memorial for the first time
  • 70% of the veterans served in the Pacific World War II theater
  • 83-year-old retired Air Force pilot Richard Watkins was one of the veterans who attended the event
  • 86-year-old retired Airman Carl L. Brown served in China, Burma, and India during the war
  • 85-year-old retired Sailor Jerome Freund served in Casablanca, North Africa, and Italy during the war

Sources:

  • The Washington Examiner
  • The National Guard
  • World War II veterans' interviews
  • Stephen Spielberg's speech at the National World War II Memorial
  • Tom Hanks' speech at the National World War II Memorial
  • Gen. George Marshall's quote cited by Former Senator Elizabeth Dole
  • Tammy Duckworth's attendance at the event
  • W. Scott Gould's attendance at the event

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