Customer Reviews

Hallowed Grounds

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`Hallowed Grounds' tells the story of the American cemeteries overseas that serve as the final resting place for those killed since 1917, WWI and the years after. There are 24 cemeteries that are a reminder to those on whose soil Americans fought.

This documentary is a splendid example of how these cemeteries not only honor the dead but are also for the living. The narration and filming capture the heart of the hallowed grounds. If you have never walked through one of them, you have missed one of the most moving experiences in the world. They are indeed a symbol of peace and the price of war.

The film gives short narrations of battles and the nearby cemeteries from France and Belgium to the Pacific; of course not all can be covered in this one DVD. Some examples of the men and women who are buried there are given. It would be hard not to be moved watching this. The surrounding countrymen's impressions and visits as well as those of visiting Americans are shown. Students of history and veterans would be well served by viewing this.

This is the next best thing to visiting where these men and women died far from home. These are some of the most peaceful places on earth and the film serves this spirit well. It is almost impossible not to shed a tear.

This is a well done video. Unlike the constant reports of how everyone in Europe and the world hates Americans, this progarm shows how we are not hated by all but actually revered by many. There are the same holiday ceremonies in foreign lands which recognize our men and women who died for (their) freedom. Classes of school children are taken on field trips to the American Memorial Cemeteries they have built to honor our dead military heroes. Very much worth watching and owning. Interesting things I never knew.

I cannot write anything in this review that would add or take away from what has already been written in previous reviews. I will say though, this documentary was quite moving. It is shot in a style very similar to A&E's "America's Castles" but is somber and humbling. I have never, I repeat, I have never gotten emotional over anything from a movie or television show. However, this feature moved me to tears. I'm not talking about getting misty-eyed but copious tears running down my face. Every subsequent cemetery featured would only bring more tears. My wife became quite alarmed walking in on me like that. She decided she should probably watch it also and as you can imagine, was brought to tears as well. Specifically moving were the stories of soldiers buried there. Also, the vast amounts of people who still show gratitude for these Americans is overwhelming. One old Belgian lady still tends a grave her family adopted since 1945. In one celebration an older Belgian man sings "The Star Spangled Banner" in Dutch and that was emotional overload. I plan on making this one of my families memorial day traditions by watching it that weekend every year. Even Speilberg or Hanks can't produce something comparable to this. This really shows the ultimate cost and sacrfice for freedom.

The Hallowed Grounds film, superbly done by PBS, is a wonderful walk through the cemetaries on foriegn soil of those who gave the last full measure to our country while serving in the uniform of our nation. It is respectfully and tastefully produced and sends chills down the spine when one sees the enormity of the monuments and the markers that represent the best and the bravest our society had to offer. This DVD should be in every American home!

This was a well documented review of the (ABMC)American Battles Monument Commision's role in honoring the war dead of WW1 and WW2. The video begins with an overview of the worldwide locations of the various cemeteries then focuses on each particular location. There are several personal interest stories embedded within the narrative as well as interviews with veterans, locals, and ABMC administrators. There is no shock and awe here just a somber, well done story about America's war dead.

Wow, I had no idea as to the number of American cemeteries abroad! I never forget the veterans' sacrifices or take this precious freedom for granted. But to see the facts - the battles and the grounds where they lay - is an intense and powerful reminder. Made me cry in parts that just tore my heart out. I also didn't realize how well-kept these locations are, or well-visited; that brings me some comfort that these brave souls won't be forgotten. This should be required viewing in schools as I fear many have forgotten (or never learned) the reality of this country's sacrifices. God bless our troops and their families who've given so much.

This DVD is beautiful and very informative. Most of us will not have the chance to visit these cemeteries and this makes it possible. Glad its in our DVD collection we will watch it again.

Excellent produced documentary of America's finest in their final resting place overseas. This is very suitable to watch during Memorial Day, Veterans Day or even if you are curious about those who sacrificed their lives, so we could remain free. So many Americans take our freedom for granted. They shouldn't. I highly recommend this PBS Home Video. Thank you to all our men and women serving in uniform, those who have served in uniform, and those who served that made the ultimate sacrifice.

I work for a cemetery district, and I am always looking for new information on cemeteries. I saw this show on my local PBS station, and I knew I had to add it to my collection. Until I saw this DVD I never knew that the USA had any military cemeteries outside the USA. What an eye opener! When I was very young I knew that I had an uncle who was killed in Germany in WWII, and I always thought he was buried in Germany. After seeing this video, I found out he is buried in Luxembourg Cemetery (where General Patton is buried) I was able to go on line and find out the location of his grave, and when watching the video I could place the approximate location of his grave. I am in awe of these cemeteries, they are without a doubt the most beautiful cemeteries I have ever seen. Every American needs to see this video to really appreciate what the USA has sacrificed for the rest of the world. The video shows how students take field trips to these cemeteries and are being taught that Americans gave the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom. Maybe that is something our schools should be teaching our children? Anyone who sees this video will have a new respect of what we have given to the world. A must see!!!!!!!!!