I just finished watching "The Six Triple Eight" tonight on Netflix. I had seen it advertised and I wanted to watch it.
I saw a little while back where a dear friend and colleague posted that she had watched it.
Wow. Read that backwards--wow.
Until I started seeing advertisements for the movie, I didn't know there was such a thing as this troop. Did I miss that in history class? That is possible. I struggled to learn history. Maybe I learned but forgot. That is also possible.
Having seen the movie, I want to learn more.
These women were incredible soldiers, trained and ready to serve their country. A country that treated them poorly, even those in the military, their colleagues treated them poorly. (Not everyone was this way-- there were lights of kindnessand respect.)
What caused the poor treatment? In my humble opinion, it was racism. It could have also stemmed from fear or ignorance. Both of these things cause racism and bigotry to live and thrive.
I could be wrong. If there is a good explanation that I am missing, I am open to hear it.
But what causes a human being to treat another human being poorly?
While watching the movie my emotions were all the place. I felt joy to see young love. I laughed when one of the characters said things. She seemed to be comic relief in some ways. She was raw, said it like it was, yet also showed compassion. I felt sadness and anger when overt racism reared its ugly head. I felt admiration for the captain who became a major and later a lieutenant colonel. She spoke truth in tough love and led her people well.
The war scenes at the beginning were difficult, but so was the racism.
I was amazed at the end when one of the main characters, Lena, was reading a document, as herself, at 100 years old.
The 6888th Battalion accomplished something no one else had done. They weren't expected to be able to do it
They showed grit and determination despite all the situations against them.
At times I had tears.
As I write, I am attempting to not give away any spoilers, in case you haven't seen it.
If you have seen it, share what struck you.
It did not escape my attention that the troop started off in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. I found that interesting. It made me want to learn more about the days of it being an active army post.
It was a powerful and poignant movie.
It was definitely worth my time to watch it and reflect on it.
Links for more information:
- The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
- The Six Triple Eight (IMDb)
- Honoring the Six Triple Eight: WWIIs Unsung Heroes (Wounded Warrior Project)
- Lena D. King
- LTC Charity Adams
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