A Minnesota PBS Initiative
The Room Changed
Last night I was reminded of how much good we can all do. It is easy for me to get lost in the details, lost in the production schedules, lost in the haggling over sound bites with the production team. It's easy for me to just plain get lost. Last night will be a night I hold closely as a way to help me get out of the woods when I feel like there's no possible way to do what I need to do.
Last night was different. It was exactly what I had in mind.
Last night the people who came to studio A last summer to share their stories with us on-camera came back to us to watch 'Minnesota Remembers Vietnam: Perspectives' as a community.
Last night, the early mingling before the event was forced and awkward. Few were up and about. Husbands, wives, children, aunts and friends were all staying within their familiar pods. No one was talking. It wasn't what I had in mind.
The event started. Some words were said. A meal was served. A documentary was watched.
Then, the room changed.
After the screening men and women who didn't know each other 90 minutes ago were connecting on a level deeper than the outward hugs and handshakes. Last night was different. It was exactly what I had in mind.
Vietnam veterans Wendell Affield, Ron Mackedanz, and Jon Hovde at the premiere screening of Perspectives at TPT
Above is a photo of Mr. Affield, Mr. Mackedanz and Mr. Hovde. All three of them combat wounded. All three of them have lived full lives since Vietnam. All three of them have now had a room full of people listen to what they had to say.
Thanks for reading...
Luke
Note: Jon Hovde passed away on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Story Themes: Community, Impact, Jon Hovde, Luke Heikkila, Perspectives, Ron Mackedanz, Wendell Affield
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