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General George Patton once said: “The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.”
For those who have served, the memories of combat can come with a range of emotions, from pride and reverence to guilt or sorrow. This Veterans Day, one Savannah nonprofit is inviting the public to experience the stories of veterans and honor the voices of those who protect us.
Mountainfilm on Tour-Savannah’s annual “Honoring Our Veterans” will take place on Thursday at Service Brewing Co. The evening begins with craft beers and food trucks at 6 p.m., with the film screening beginning at 7 p.m.
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The veteran-owned brewery is a fitting venue to host the event, which will screen a series of culturally rich and inspiring documentary films. The event is free to all veterans.
“We started our annual Veterans Day event in 2014, with the screening of the film ‘Mending the Line,'” Leslie Carey, Director of Mountainfilm on Tour-Savannah. “Mountainfilm is about celebrating the indomitable human spirit, and we were thrilled to create an event to honor our veterans, who embody that ideal.”
The screening will feature several thought-provoking and uplifting films including “Breaking Trail,” “Stranger at the Gate,” “Loon,” “Eco-Hack!” and “Powder Snow Hokkaido.”
“Honoring Our Veterans” will place the stories of veteran’s struggles and achievements front and center, exploring ways they cope with life back home from the battlefield.
One of the films, “Stranger at the Gate,” shares the story of Richard “Mac” McKinney, who returned home from a long career in the U.S. Marine Corps with a rage fueled by a hatred of Muslims.
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McKinney planned an atrocious crime against his community’s mosque, but after meeting his enemy face-to-face, he took a completely different path, which the film explores.
It’s one of many films of the night that will shed new light on the experiences of those who return from the frontlines. Organizers hope the annual event brings together those who want to learn more about veteran lives and their impact on the community.
“Honoring Our Veterans” has become one of our favorite annual events,” Carey added. “It’s always such a wonderful night of community and a great opportunity to honor and celebrate Savannah’s veterans.”
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Now in its 13th year of bringing award-winning films and documentaries to Savannah, Mountainfilm on Tour-Savannah says they are committed to educating and inspiring local audiences to create a better world through the power of film. It is a local offshoot of the Mountainfilm documentary film festival, held in Telluride, Colo., every year since 1979.
After a few years of staying home, and viewing films on a TV or a computer, Carey says there’s no better experience for people than seeing a film in person, and connecting with the audience and absorbing the message of the movies.
“It’s dramatically different to experience a film with a community. And I think that’s especially true with Mountainfilm. These films move us — to be better and do better,” Carey explained.
“They make us cry — sometimes a lot. They make us think. And, in the end, we hope they change us a little bit,” she added.
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“Honoring Our Veterans” first launched in 2014, with the screening of the film “Mending the Line,” which highlights a Marine wounded in Afghanistan who is sent to a V.A. facility in Montana where a Vietnam Vet who teaches him how to cope with stress through fly fishing.
Since that first screening eight years ago, “Honoring Our Veterans” has continued to inspire and connect those who want to learn more about veteran lives and issues.
It has been held every year at Service Brewing Co. just off River Street, which was founded by a West Point graduate and former Army commander. It’s a relationship that continues to flourish as both groups do what they can to spotlight veterans causes.
“We are so grateful to Service Brewing for hosting us again this year,” Carey added. “They have been our loyal partner and supporter of this event from the beginning. And we couldn’t think of a more fitting place — or partner.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah: Honoring Our Veterans
WHEN: Social hour begins at 6 p.m., films being at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St.
COST: Free to veterans, General tickets are $25
INFO: Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/416227275987
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