A Moving Film that Created a Moving Personal Moment

Rating: Null/10 (12 April 2000)

I was deeply moved after seeing Saving Private Ryan. It is simply the best war movie ever made. And to the European critics: it was not meant to be an all-encompassing work about the allied effort in Normandy during World War II (see The Longest Day for that). It is an American story, about American sacrifice, made by a master of American film. Its purpose is clear: to help remind and educate our country about the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation, and this education is long overdue. If Spielberg had to wave a flag and tug at emotions to do this, so be it.
Beyond mere words, this film has spurred people to action. Many Americans now seek out World War II veterans to give them the respect they deserve, and to hear their stories, before they are gone. For me, it was a catalyst. My father landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, and it was with great pride that I took him back there last year for the 55th anniversary of the event. He was able to meet and discuss his experiences with many American, Canadian, and British veterans.
In a particularly personal and memorable moment, and reminiscent of the opening and closing sequences of the film, my father and I visited his buddy's grave at the American Cemetery in Colleville Sur Mer. His friend was killed in action on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Memories of the friendship shared and lost overwhelmed him, and brought the visit into perspective. Yes there is honor and glory in war, but also incredible waste. May it never happen again.