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The League of Grateful Sons

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In Prophetic Untimeliness Os Guinness argued, successfully I think, that our culture has an irrational and dangerous fixation on the present and future. Our emphasis on the latest and greatest comes at the expense of all that the past has to offer us. Tragically, this distaste of the past has become prevalent in the past and we, as Christians, risk having to re-learn lessons that we would already know were we to keep one eye fixed firmly in the past.

The League of Grateful Sons is an organization dedicated to preserving memories from the past, and in particular, the memories of fathers who fought during the Second World War--to pass the legacy of these men to another generation. This war took the lives of 182,000 American fathers. Hundreds of thousands of fathers did return, but many of these never took the opportunity to share their legacy with their children. With thousands of war veterans dying every day, the opportunities are growing ever more seldom. But within the ranks of these survivors of the war are a collection of men who made it their life mission to tell others of the providences of God and the meaning of manhood. These men have sought to share their experiences with later generations and to begin to build a legacy in their sons and their grandsons. We can honor God by honoring these men and encouraging them to share their what God has taught them. They can, in turn, honor God by attempting to leave a legacy for coming generations.

The Faith of Our Fathers Project has released a DVD entitled The League of Grateful Sons that examines a few of these great war heroes as they return to one of the bloodiest and most infamous battlefields of the war: Iwo Jima. The film introduces "Colonel" Bell Henderson, a hardened Marine who maintained moral purity throughout the war, Bill Brown, a fighter pilot who was shot down and later rescued, and other men who fought bravely for a cause they believed in. It follows them as, for the first time in sixty years, they walk upon the black sands of Iwo Jima. But this time, rather than being accompanied by their friends, they walk arm-in-arm with their sons and grandsons. They pause and reflect, recalling events still as clear in their minds today as they were six decades ago. They share the past so they can build a better future.

"Our goal with The League of Grateful Sons," writes Doug Phillips," is to honor the sacrifice for freedom made by these men, and all who fought during the Second World War, and to pass on their legacy to the next generation. May this story inspire you and your family to keep their memory alive, and to preserve the heritage of your own fathers for generations to come." This story is inspirational. It is deeply and profoundly moving. It is a testament to the power of God, not only in his acts of providence in the lives of these brave men, but in motivating them to share their stories with a generation in desperate need of godly heroes.

The League of Grateful Sons is a beautiful film that will move you to tears and leave you grateful for the peace we enjoy today, and for the brave men that fought for that peace, several generations ago.

This documentary thank you to the heroes of WWII chronicles the 2005 trip of a group dubbed "The League of Grateful Sons," who traveled to Iwo Jima to walk in the footsteps of their fathers, grandfathers, greatgrandfathers, and role models of the best of godly manhood. The movie includes archival footage, live footage, and interviews with veterans and with family members who share the legacy of their fathers' heroism.

One of the more moving parts of the movie was the reading of letters from the soldiers. One poignant letter to a son arrived on the same day the son's letter to him arrived Return To Sender, and was written on the day before the beginning of the Battle of Iwo Jima. In another example, a hero left behind a 5-year-old son along with more than 1200 pages of letters, with such fatherly wisdom as: "My dear little boys, Dad doesn't want you to ever be a bully. I want you to always fight against anyone who tries to be one. I want you to always help the smaller fellow...above all my boys, have courage. Have courage to do the things that you know are right...God Bless You, Daddy"

This is the testimony of the men God providentially used as vehicles to preserve our nation's freedoms, men who fought against statism and for their families, countries, faith, and a way of life. It is a passing of the torch and a call to remember them and the generation they represented by seeking out their testimony before it is too late, as the few survivors are now in their 80s.

of what men can do even when they go through hard battles. We all know war is tough and this dvd brings out men who learned to go and be the heros that we all need in this life.

Heart felt, heart warming and insightful. What an honor it is to know that there was a generation of men who were willing to defend our way of life no matter the cost...even if it meant death. This movie honors those men and their families. It unwittingly demonstrates the stark contrast of today's generation. What's happened to America, where have those brave souls gone?

I just want to say, I am not a child of a US Veteran, but a greatful benefactor. And I have received this movie very well. As a matter of fact, I gave an extra copy away to another non-veteran "child". You don't have to be a son or daughter of a US Veteran or a WWII Veteran to appreciate this movie.

But I am a grateful American who loves peace and freedom. I am benefitting today from the sacrifice that these and other courageous men and families made for the sake of our country's freedom. Thank you!!
I feel more compelled to honor anyone who has served in the US Military.
The cost of peace is great. (Reminds me of a song I learned in elementary school..."Freedom Isn't Free! You've got to pay the price, you've got to sacrifice, for your liberty...")

I saw the hearts of some fathers through letters written to their sons.
I heard the first had account of what happened during WWII. This is TRUE HISTORY. Living history!!

I am so glad that someone had vision enough to make this movie.

Now, the question is will America continue to choose and honor the patriotic way in order not lose the peace and freedoms these men fought so bravely to preserve for their children, wives and other benefactors like me?

I saw this documentary on TV, and then purchased for my 89 year old Dad who was in WWII. This isn't just for fathers and "grateful sons". It's for grateful daughters,families and just anyone who's interested too. I thought it was moving and informative, and enjoyed it very much. It brought tears to my eyes. There is alot about God in this documentary so if that turns you off, this probably isn't the type of thing for you.

My dad is a survivor of the battle on Iwo Jima. And at 86, I have a challenge finding good presents for him. This movie was the best gift ever. He has already told his pastor about it. Great movie of faith!

This DVD was put together by men who fought in WWII on the Pacific front. After all these years, they take a crew of younger people including their own grandsons and granddaughters back to the beaches where they fought. They explain WHY Iwo was so important to the war effort, why it was worth so many men giving their lives, and how it helped to end the war. They praise God, and also pay tribute to the many who did not live thru the battle.
Many times historical accounts of the War fail to focus in on the reasons, what lead up to the war, or to put a face on the conflict. This helps the next generation to learn, and not repeat the mistakes.

WORTH PURCHASING AS A TEACHING TOOL ON HOW MEN ARE TO RAISE THEIR CHILDREN IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD SO THAT WILL HONOR THEM, BE EXAMPLES OF HOW MEN SHOW BE AND SO THAT THEY FULFILL THEIR DESTINY!

The League of Grateful Sons is a DVD that every family with teens should watch together. It is wonderful. I am going to lend it to each of my children and their families in the coming year. Karen Staege