American Experience - Return With Honor (2005, DVD)

This was one of the most moving documentaries I've seen. It's based on the experiences of the American P.O.W.'s held in the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam war.

Apparently this documentary contains some never before seen footage taken by the North Vietnamese. The film is comprised of the actual men telling their stories and footage of their time spent in what can only be summed up as hell on earth.

This is what students should be watching in school. I can't believe I never learned some of this. Some of these men spent almost 9 years in captivity - and even though they were offered earlier releases by years - they knew that the men who stayed behind would suffer more for their leaving.

I didn't know before this documentary how brutal the torture they were subjected to was - at how much time they spent in isolation and pain. It literally made me weep to think of the horrors that these men endured.

All of them except a few chose to stay, for the good of the other men and for the good of their country. They were subjected to horrors unimaginable - but never gave in and gave up our countries intelligence information.

I have a new respect for Admiral James Stockdale and Senator John McCain when I see them on tv.. and for all of these men.

If you haven't seen this documentary - you need to. It really reminds you of what so many have sacrificed for our country, and how easy it is for us to forget. I know after watching this, I won't soon forget these men and what they endured so they could return to American with honor.