By Mark Bialczak

LPL Communications Specialist

The broadcast of the 10-part series “The Vietnam War” this fall on PBS stations across the nation has sparked a new much debate about the period of American history that brought so much turmoil and protest here as U.S. soldiers fought there.

Noted documentarians Ken Burns and Lynn Novick put their sharp spotlight on the people, places and opinions that help shape the decades of America’s involvement indelible stamp on our history.

Wrote Gregory Daddis in the New York Times:

“Viewers of the Burns-Novick saga, Americans in particular, should seek to gain newfound perspective from this complex story. In short, the film should stimulate new conversations about the war in Vietnam rather than serve to end debate because two of our nation’s finest directors have spoken. This documentary should not become the accepted gospel of Vietnam.”

The Liverpool Public Library will give patrons two opportunities to participate right here.

At 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, Tom Henry will preside over the session “The Vietnam War” in the Carman Community Room. The retired community educator will look at the causes of the war and reactions back home at the time. There also will be a collection barrel set up to donate items to the Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room, the space at Hancock International Airport set up as a welcoming spot for soldiers using the airport. The organization’s website says there’s an immediate need for monetary donations as well as food and beverages. You can see the list at gregharrismcr.org/donate.shtml

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, WCNY Director of Education Debbie Stack will highlight key elements of the series that was broadcast on that Syracuse PBS Station, as well as lead a Carman Community Room discussion about local memories of the war. Veterans who attend “Overview of Ken Burns’s Vietnam Documentary” will receive a token of appreciation.