Veterans share insights on the Vietnam War: Learning from history

– More than 2.7 million Americans served during the Vietnam War, with over 58,000 losing their lives. An estimated three million Vietnamese also perished during the conflict, which spanned from the 1950s to the 1970s. The Vietnam War: The War That Changed America, a documentary series on Apple TV+, seeks to bring these staggering numbers to life by sharing personal stories and experiences.

– Narrated by actor Ethan Hawke and directed by Rob Coldstream, known for his work on documentaries about prominent figures like Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II, The Vietnam War: The War That Changed America delves into the emotional and human side of the conflict. This six-part series commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and provides a raw and immersive look at the impact of one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history.

– The documentary not only highlights the experiences of soldiers but also sheds light on the civilian casualties and the lasting effects of the war on both sides. Through powerful testimonies and rare archival footage, viewers are taken on a deeply personal journey through a tumultuous period in history.

– One of the key figures in the series is Bill Broyles, an 80-year-old Vietnam War veteran and Hollywood screenwriter. Drawing upon his own experiences, Broyles has worked on various film and television projects that reflect his time in the war. As both an interviewee and advisor for the documentary, he brings a unique perspective to the narrative, emphasizing the need to humanize the story beyond traditional historical and political analysis.

– Reflecting on his past, Broyles shares a poignant reunion with his former radio operator, Jeff Hiers, who played a crucial role in their time together in Vietnam. Their bond, forged under intense circumstances, highlights the deep connections formed during times of conflict and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of war on individuals.

– To bring a fresh perspective to the well-documented war, the creators of the documentary scoured over 1,000 archive images from around the world, meticulously restoring and enhancing them to provide viewers with a visually immersive experience. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity sets The Vietnam War: The War That Changed America apart, offering a new lens through which to understand this pivotal period in history.

– As the documentary unfolds, viewers are confronted with the human cost of war and are compelled to reflect on the lessons learned from past conflicts. Bill Broyles, reflecting on his own journey and the experiences of his son who served in more recent conflicts, poses a poignant question: “When are we going to learn our lesson once and for all?” Through its intimate storytelling and powerful imagery, The Vietnam War: The War That Changed America prompts us to look beyond the statistics and engage with the human stories that define this tumultuous chapter in history.