Good afternoon Larry,
I hope you had a great day in Tusc County:)
It truly was a pleasure to have you and Brian at our school
this morning. The feedback from staff and students has
been so positive! Staff members thought this was the
BEST Veteran's Day assembly they have ever experienced.
My students found it very moving and so informative. I
admire your message and passion to share the stories of our
nation's heroes.
Again, thank you for sharing your passion with students and
staff around the country. I believe our students and
staff have a new appreciation for our heroes.
Keep in touch and I do mean it- would love to have you
return to Tusky Valley High School next year!
Take Care,
Susan
Susan K. Huth, Principal
Tusky Valley High School
Zoarville, Ohio
Larry,
I wanted to thank you for coming to our school and sharing
your art with us. I didn’t get a chance to tell you how
much I like your film and how much I appreciate you coming
out to share it with us. Thank you so much for what you do
and for passing on the stories that you have heard and for
sharing your experiences. What you do is very kind,
thoughtful and generous. Thank you so much.
Chris Lewis
IT Manager
Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools
Zoarville, Ohio
KOREA - THE FORGOTTEN WAR --
The
film is very good. It consists of some film from the Korean
War, but mostly commentary by those who were there telling
of their experience. It makes the war very personal and
gives an appreciation for what these soldiers had to go
through – particularly the horror of killing another human
being and the extreme cold.
U.
S. Senator Michael B. Enzi
Casper, Wyoming
Good
Afternoon Larry,
After
seeing you on Fox News this morning, I decided to drop you a
little line regarding your current project, "Beyond the
Badge." Maybe your documentary can be instrumental in
saving the lives of many current and future crime fighters.
You
see, I am a 33 year law enforcement veteran of the Maryland
State Police, the Baltimore Police Department and the
Maryland Transit Police Force. For over three decades I have
been to more cop funerals than I care to count. Their deaths
range from vehicle accidents to assassinations. These are
just a few fallen heroes who I remember, but the list is
long.
Every
single day, every single hour and every second of these
hours our men and women in blue place their lives in great
jeopardy as they take on undercover assignments or attempt
to clear drug dealers from the neighborhood corners.
I,
along with many other crime fighters, truly appreciate
what you are doing. Keep up the great work and may God bless
you.
Hello Larry:
Just saw the
feature on you on CTV (Montreal). Huge congratulations on
your efforts in documenting the stories of ordinary people
who became extraordinary individuals in such an
incredibly important period of human history. Without you,
many of the the most fascinating, truly heroic, and heart
rendering stories would fade with them, in total
obscurity.
Paul,
Montreal, Quebec
Hi Larry,
I just came
across your site listing all the DVDs of your different
interviews. I'm amazed at the number of veterans you have
interviewed over the years.
Although I have
yet to see the DVD, I'm sure it will be great. I've seen
these veterans on programs such as the History Channel
discuss their war experiences, and I'm always touched
whenever they display their full emotions as they recall
certain instances of specific battles.
I hope that the
younger generation appreciate what you've done by making
these films. They are priceless.
Thanks,
Jim Escalle
Larry,
Sorry about the late reply there have been a lot small fires
to put out.
I have received them and have sent them out. I will get in
touch with
the folks for a follow up. The troops and the leadership all
had good
things to say about them. Thanks again Larry you are one of
kind to do
this. The DVDS are a significant contribution to our heritage
and
history.
I want to thank you again for your gifts they are being
utilized over
here.
Respectfully,
CPT Luke Bird
QM, HHC 27th BSB 4-1 CAV/LST Anaconda
Larry,
I
hope your interviews here in our little town were rewarding
& helpful. I'll be out at Pat's for lunch today
having a cheesesteak & a bowl of his lobster bisque and
I am sure you will be the topic of discussion. Thank you
for letting me be a part of this journey you have undertaken.
It has been a experience that neither Pat nor I will ever
forget - you have truly touched the soul of humanity and your
efforts will tighten the weave on the fabric of this country.
Again, I thank you.
Best
wishes to you,
Denny,
New Jersey
Dearest Beloved Family and Friends -
Each of us has an opportunity to touch a life or to be touched
by another every moment of our lives...these 'chance'
encounter's can be so very meaningful.
Yesterday morning as a coworker and I traveled on a shuttle to
the Logan Airport in downtown Boston, I overhead a conversation
that touched my heart. In the darkness and cold of 6:00
a.m., a gentleman towards the front was telling a tale of
history. The personal military history of over 600
veterans he had been interviewing for many years.
This man touched my heart and I have to share with each of
you.....his name is Larry Cappetto of Veterans Memorial
Program, "Lest They be Forgotten". I took a few
minutes to chat with him and came away humbled, in awe and
with his business card. Today I visited his web site - it
is a MUST SEE for all Americans. Please I beg of you,
visit: http://www.veteranshistory.org
What this man has done is incredible....his interviews have been
airing nationwide on TV and are available on DVD. I
believe he is having a special sale right now, they would make
great Christmas gifts.....not to mention, every school should
have a set and every child should have the opportunity to view
history from those who have served so bravely.
I had the privilege in 2005 to be a part of a "Healing
Field", visit http://www.healingfield.org
to understand what an incredible opportunity this was. I
have always had a deep love for my country and for our military,
it was awesome to be a part of actually getting to say
"Thank You" to our brave men and women in
uniform.....Larry's work goes way deeper than saying
"Thank You", he is keeping history alive for our
children and grandchildren.
With much love,
Sara
"Freedom has a flavor that the
protected will never know"
Larry,
Please excuse this delay in responding to your email. It
is appropriate that I do so 5 years after your Veterans Day's
release of Omaha Beach/D-day. This will let you know, that
after a fairly hectic travel schedule, just returning from Abu
Dhabi, I have accessed your website. You are an
inspiration to all of us. Your ability to draw out the
veterans to tell their stories, your outreach to the younger
generation, your musical talents...It was a real privilege to
get to spend some time with you and I wish you continued success
in your compilation of the oral histories of WWII veterans and
the complementary productions.
I will never forget you.
Best regards,
Adel
|
Dear
Larry,
You
are my hero! And I mean this too! What you are
producing here is a treasure that I pray
everyone will see eventually. The pictures of
the poor victims are so hard to look at, but at
the same time, we have to look and remember what
humanity was capable of then. And in so doing,
recognize that the hatred that caused the
Holocaust to happen, still exists today.
Listening
to those veterans tell their stories brought so
many tears to my eyes. You can see that after so
many years, the pain is still fresh. What brave
and noble men and women to share these horrible
memories just so the rest of us can learn about
this human tragedy that did in fact happen. I am
so grateful to you for producing this film. May
God bless you and help you in every way possible
so that more and more people will see it and
learn from it.
So
many people in our world today are becoming
desensitized. True stories are such and
important tool to help them feel again. Thank
you again for dedicating yourself to such great
and necessary works! You really are an
inspiration to all.
|
As always,
you are in my prayers. Please keep us in yours. And
thank you so much for staying in touch. Your friendship
means so much to me!
God bless
you,
Monica
Larry,
Bless
you for reminding people and for putting together pictures
that define inhumane, better than any dictionary.
Unthinkable, and yet there it is in front of us; Real
people… Somebody’s father, mother and children. If
capturing evil and destitution can be beautiful, you have
found a way. Perhaps the beauty was that in all the wrong
done to them… there is still a beautiful soul staring
back at you. They are still telling the need for human
kindness, long past their days, through you.
Kimberly
Eva Kelly
Your
Carolina
|
Mr.
Larry Cappetto
Here
is a salute to you from many WWII Veterans for
your presentation of
"Lest
They Be Forgotten". It's been more
than 60 years since the war
ended
for us and it's very rare that somebody took the
time to present our
contributions
during the war.
For
most of us when WWII ended, we were not given a
hero's welcome,
we
just received our Honorable Discharge and came
home.
Our
American Military Forces suffered enormous
casualties against Japan
in
the Pacific Ocean and Germany in Europe and
other areas.
Far
too often our nation as a whole takes for
granted the freedom all
Americans
enjoy. Those freedoms were paid with the
lives of our military
personal
defending our country.
"Lest They Be Forgotten"
Alfred Campa
|
Dear Larry,
The DVD will move the hearts and minds of the American people
as to the truth leading up to the war and the hardships experienced by our troops as well as
fighting the overwhelming numbers of enemy forces. The veterans interviewed revealed the
facts surrounding the war and their feelings about going to an unknown country to fight a war against communism. They spoke
of their devotion to the cause in gaining freedom for South Korea,
and the lifelong impact the war had upon their lives.
During the war years the American public was not well informed
about the conditions under which our troops were ordered to carry out their mission. Your film accurately demonstrates the fierce weather conditions affecting both the troops as well as their
equipment. As the film moved from the invasion to the intense fighting in the mountains, the veterans spoke of their close bonding with those who fought alongside them. The small number of our
fighting forces battling insurmountable odds forever changed the Korean Peninsula.
Your ability to bring out the innermost feelings of the veterans before and after combat,
reveals an aspect of the American soldier most documentaries seem to overlook. Your interviews reached down into their hearts allowing them to reveal their feelings about
America, fighting opposing forces, and their devotion to their
comrades.
I am sure each and every Korean veteran is most grateful for
bringing the American people the true facts of the war as was
seen and experienced by those who were there. What a gift God has given you in your mission of the Veterans History Project.
May God bless and keep you in His care!!
Regards to you and your family,
Joan and Ed
Hydes, Maryland
Dear
Larry,
The
Iwo Jima program on KCPT, Kansas
City was very powerful.
You do a terrific job of cutting from the
memories and
thoughts of one veteran to
another, and drawing the viewer
in to
experience the impact of the event.
Bob
Speaks
Speaks Family Chapel
Independence, MO
Korean War
documentary
On June
25, the anniversary of the beginning of the Korean
War, Korean War veterans were privileged to view the
documentary film premiere showing of “Korea, the
Forgotten War.”
The
film was very well researched and told the truth of
what the American GIs went through in the so-called
police action.
On
behalf of the Korean War veterans, I would like to
thank the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum for
providing the auditorium, the Carson-Speaks Funeral
Home for sponsoring and Larry Cappetto for researching
and producing the film.
Mr.
Cappetto has spent very much time getting the facts
straight. And I heard many veterans comment that this
film should be shown on prime-time television so the
younger generation would know what the senior citizens
have gone through so they can live in a free world.
Carl
Todd
Pleasant Hill, MO
What
an outstanding film! Larry's work in documenting the
experiences of our nation's veterans continues to strike a
nerve in the American consciousness. The movie was
powerful, emotional, and inspiring, all at the same time.
We are proud to be associated, even in a small way, with
what Larry is doing. THANK YOU, LARRY!
Brad
Speaks
Speaks Chapel
Independence, MO
Larry,
40 years ago (1967), my 2nd grade teacher taught us how
terrible the
United States were. Vietnam was in full swing, and
young teachers were
indoctrinating young minds.
I came home from school and proceeded to teach my father
about how
terrible my country was. Infuriated, he pulled out a
Time Life book of
Pulitzer prize winning photography and proceeded to show
me photo after
photo of Iwo Jima, Normandy, and others. He then
tearfully (and
angrily) told me that I had the right to disagree because
of these men,
not in spite of these men.
I can honestly say that since then I have never been
disrespectful of
the soldiers who have (or will) give so much for me and my
family.
I just finished watching your amazing documentary.
You brilliantly
allowed them to tell the story... unpolished, and
painfully truthful.
By not putting our generation in the mix.. you
allowed them to show or
expose just how spoiled our generation has become.
Yet they doing
lovingly, and with honor, the way only my Dad's generation
could do it.
The final scenes, as each veteran reminds us that
"freedom isn't free"
brought tears to my eyes as I remember my own father
scolding me.
My 18 year old son has just informed me he wants to be a
Marine. Just
as these veterans point out.. at 18 you are young, and
think you are
invincible. As my brother-in-law points out
(returned from Iraq on
Sunday).. "If I don't do it, who will?"
Thank you for showing the world that their right to
protest came at a
horrendous cost. I hurt when I think how much we
must be hurting this
amazing generation who gave so much for us. To have
this gift they have
given us be trashed so openly.
I am not wealthy, but I would love to help with this
program, to ensure
both that it is shown to an ever widening audience, and
that the stories
of that generation never dies. I can't sit my sons
(daughters, nephews
and nieces) down and chasten them like my father did
because I didn't
pay that sacrifice. But your film, (told by those who did
pay the price)
can provide the much needed dose of humility.
Thank you so much for an opportunity to reflect on what I
have.
Sincerely,
Stephen Reiser
Hello Larry ,
I am writing to thank you . My grandfather was part of
your Lest they be forgotten Canada film . His name is
Robert Haslip and he is from Sarnia , Ontario. We
just lost him to cancer a couple weeks tomorrow and I am
now able to watch my grandfather in your feature and more
importantly in the entire interview you did with him . I
will now forever be able to hear my grandfathers voice and
see his face describing his time in the Navy and during
WWII. My grandfather is my hero and I do and will miss him
always but now whenever I want I can see and hear my
grandfather . Thanks so very much for doing the work you
do . It is greatly appreciated and it will be something we
treasure for the rest of our lives and also will be
something we can share with other generations of our
family so that they will know the hero we call grandpa.
Take care,
Tom Haslip
Larry,
It was a
pleasure to speak with you, and I really look
forward to receiving and watching the documentary series.
I'm glad to know that someone like yourself is out there
recording these
invaluable accounts of our war vets before they are
forever lost, and that
there might still be a chance of educating our children
about the sacrifices
these men and women made (and continue to make) for their
futures.
I feel
badly that it has taken me so long to write and tell you
how much my
friends and I have enjoyed the documentary. I
received them in what seemed
like no time at all after we spoke, but everyone in our
little
movie-watching group seemed to have one type of personal
crisis (nothing
serious) or another arise, and we did not start watching
the LTBF series
until a few weeks ago. We have watched up through
the 'Return To Iwo Jima'
episode, and will be watching 'Return to Normandy' this
evening.
So ... I apologize for the delay in doing so, but I just
wanted to write and
tell you that all of us have been very impressed and moved
by the quality
and content of the series. By letting the people
that were actually there
tell the story themselves, you have reached the very
fullest potential of a
documentary film, and allowed the medium to convey not
only facts, but true
emotion as well.
Thank you for making this film series! Not only for
those of us who feel
that it's important to learn about our nation's battles,
but more
importantly for all of the veterans that, but for this
series, would take
these powerful accounts of our nation's history to their
graves.
As difficult as it is to watch these proud men and women
break down and weep
at such painful memories, all of us remain very excited
about what's to come
in the future installments of the series.
Thanks for doing such fine and important work, and
continued success with
the film series!
Sincerely,
Charley
Larry,
Another
winner and another emotional heart rending documentary.
It was great seeing our Canadian ally and hearing from
the Greatest Generation up north. I did not realize that
there was no conscription in Canada and that 10% of the
entire population served in WW II. That is truly
amazing. Ending with "A Pittance of Time"
which I have seen a number of times on my computer, but
never on the big screen TV, really tore me up as did
"The Last Call." What a great group of men and
women. Thanks for immortalizing them for posterity!
All the Best
-
Paul
I JUST
WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU
Larry,
I have
never met you but I wanted to say thank you for what you
have done for the veterans. What you are doing is
a wonderful thing.
My father in law, Ronald Mertz, passed away this last
week. He is originally from Algona, Iowa. We are having
services there on Monday.
His passing was very unexpected and it will be a long
time until we know exactly what happened. He was a
Vietnam Veteran and suffered for many years from PTSD.
We are thankful that he is no longer suffering. He would
have appreciated what you are doing very much and he
would have loved to have been a part of it..
My husband was just wondering if you could just mention
Ron Sunday night at your gathering, just to say goodbye.
He has been away from home for a long time and now he is
back to be laid to rest and live in peace for eternity.
Thank you again.
His name is Ronald R. Mertz
Sincerely Kristin Mertz
Hi Larry
I saw you on
Toronto's Breakfast Television, the other week, and I have
to say I am impressed!!!! It is truly about time some one
did something for our veteran's up here as well as in the
States.
I bought this DVD for a very good friend of mine, whose
father passed away several years ago, who fought in the
war. Ron is very active in the Legion as is his
Mother, and I am sure he will truly enjoy this.
Thank you ever
so much, sight unseen, I am the one who is honored that
some one such as yourself has taken the time to give these
men and women the recognition they so rightfully deserve.
Sincerely,
Diane Matthews
Ontario, Canada
Dear Larry,
Your
presentation of "Lest They Be Forgotten" at the
Avalon Theater was more than I
could ever have expected.
As I watched
and listened, it was apparent that you knew the mind and
hearts of those
represented. As a Vietnam Veteran I looked into the
eyes of my brothers and realized
that in this life there is but one sole hero, and that hero
lives in each and every one of them.
I want to
thank you with every fiber of my being for the task that you
have undertaken
to bring awareness to our veterans.
With profound
Love and Respect,
StrongBull "Bull" Sequoia
Hi Larry,
The article and
your interview were both wonderful, and very moving. What
you said showed so clearly the true respect and gratitude
you feel for these veterans, and I, for one, thank you so
very much for what you are doing for them, and for our
country! It is so important for all of us to know what price
was paid for the freedom we all take for granted. We can not
forget, nor should we forget. And you have found the
absolute best way to ensure that we will remember.
My hat's off to
you! And know that you are in my prayers. Your work is so
important in our society, where people are so jaded by the
gratuitous violence they see in their entertainment.
Your films so clearly illustrate the horror and reality of
the violence and trauma of war, as well as the humanness.
They also, through the words, emotions and bravery of these
men and women, show what the "glory of war" really
means. Thank you again! I can't wait to see this film, and
all the rest too!
Take care of
yourself!
I smile when I
imagine all these heroes you talk with, looking at you and
what you're doing, and thinking you're a hero too!
God bless
America!
And God bless
you,
Monica :)
Larry,
We've had many positive comments (from teachers and students)
on your presentation. Your mission to "enlighten the
youth of today" on the sacrifices of those that have gone
before is a noble one...... You and Mr Johnson are truly great
Americans. Thank you for all that you do! See you on Thursday.
Respectfully,
Frank J Lawler
JROTC Dept.
Grand Junction, Colorado
Larry,
I have just
spent some time viewing your website and it, is beautiful. I
have read some poems that people left, just when I thought I
couldn't cry anymore. You have done such a wonderful,
wonderful thing Larry, your reward will be great in Heaven.
Thank you so much for contacting me and thank you for
bringing our loved ones and their stories to the world. You
will never be forgotten. I will keep in touch.
Sincerely, Kristin Mertz, Iowa
Hi Larry,
Salutations!
And Congratulations! As I have always faithfully
believed, your good intentions are getting the recognition
they deserve as are the Vets you have interviewed. What
a personal achievement this is for you, and what a humbling
experience this must also be. God Bless You on your
endeavor as you continue to enlighten the world with tales of
friendship, hardship, war, and lost youth. The
July release marks another milestone in your personal journey
to make a difference. As you reach out to each vet and
create meaning and importance in their senior lives, you have
saved another soul who was surely bound to torrid
memories of their past. As you well know, when trauma
and drama is shared, their is a certain relief in the
experience, and surely you have made this possible in a way
that will change them forever. Your work is
therapy in itself-- with compassion you embrace their
tales and allow them to work out their past through thought
and words. You provide clarity to suppressed memories
and promote the relief so many need. And... at the same
time, you promote thinking on the part of the viewer.
With each interview, you are changing the way America thinks,
and educating the masses.
Keep up the good
charma... only good things will come of it! I need
not say Good Luck for your July opening. Because of your
hard work and dedication, you've already got it!
Take Care,
Kathy
Hi Larry,
My name is Corey Sheres, residing in Hallandale Beach,
FL. I was watching the CBS Monday evening news on
Memorial Day and I saw a special on your documentaries
on World War II vets. I found it to be very
interesting as well as a pertinent piece of
filmmaking. In an age of movie-making about as
thoughtless and uninspiring as we are subjected to in
this day and age, it was nice to see someone who is
focused on bringing out the behind the scenes on a
real event that impacted so many lives and left
imprints on several generations.
Hello,
I
saw the news report on your documentary, it is an amazing idea
and I am very happy that someone is finally doing this. The
hardships that these soldiers have bottled up for years are
only some of the scars that only us family members have seen.
My grandfather was stationed in
Africa
, (just one of many) and later developed cancer. Of course
they can only assume that he received it from being stationed
there like so many soldiers did. But his pride of
serving his country is worth more than the pain of the
shrapnel in his leg, or his glass eye. He fought hard for his
country, his family! And we are so VERY proud of him. Though
he talks about it a lot you can tell that it hurts him too. He
can't talk of it anymore without brining tears to his eyes. He
is the last of his squad left and that hurts him to think
about. He sacrificed more than his youth for the freedom of
this country, and I couldn't be more proud of him. Thank you
for allowing the voices of these brave and honorable men and
women to be heard. Perhaps they can do some good. Thank you
for letting them get the best therapy anyone could give them.
The chance to let people know what they went through for
freedom, something that a lot of people take for granted.
Thank you
Stacy
Zelhart
Larry,
Just finished watching the movie last night and think it is
absolutely
wonderful. I think that you were able to catch the essence
of Vietnam, as
well as the mood of the country at that time. This should
be required
viewing for high school students when they study American
history. I
haven't seen the rest of the series but, I'm sure they capture
the "times"
as well as this one does and should also be required viewing by
high school
students. It truly brings home the personal side of what
was going on.
Again, thanks for making this movie. I really think it was
something that
needed to be done and you have done it very, very well and I am
proud to be
a part of this historical record. Keep up the good work!!
Tom Egleston
Longknife 21
D Troop (Air) 3/5 Cavalry
Dear
Larry:
I have just
viewed your DVD entitled: LEST
THEY BE FORGOTTEN – VIET NAM
REMEMBERED and I want to compliment you on doing such a fine
job. The people that appear in that DVD are all authentic and
have been there in the heat of battle. I especially liked the
amount of time that you allowed my friend, Lee Alley, from
Wheatland, Wyoming to contribute to the presentation. Lee is a
good man, a fine role model as a husband and father, and a solid
member of the community. I also want to thank you for allowing
me to appear in your DVD with my comments.
All
of the men in your DVD had something important to say and have
answered the questions that have been raised so often by those
that did not go or serve. All of the questions that have plagued
this period of our nation’s history were answered by the men
in the video by saying what comes naturally to a patriot and an
American. They went because it was their obligation and because
their country asked them to go. They thwarted the spread of the
aggressive and brutal force of communism and they helped a
country that asked for our help. They met and conquered their
fears that existed inside of themselves and left no doubt as to
whom they were and what they were made of. They fought to save
their fellow man. It is true that the politicians lost that war,
and much more, by not fighting to win and they are doing the
same today but that is not a reflection upon the airmen,
sailors, soldiers, and Marines.
The fighting man did his job under the most unbearable of
circumstances and didn’t complain then or “burn the flag”
in protest. We still have that flag and it is as strong as ever-
it is just that our leaders were then and are now weak and
ineffective.
A teacher affects eternity – he can never tell when his
influence stops. You have created an important teaching tool
which even the generations that haven’t been born as yet can
learn from. People
today still need to learn these lessons and hear the testimonies
that are contained on your DVD documentary.
I
am sending this letter by email to some of my friends and family
with my encouragement to them to order a copy of your DVD, Lest They Be Forgotten – Viet Nam
Remembered, to see and hear for themselves what the men who
were there have to say about their experiences. I am sure that
they will be more than satisfied with your DVD no matter what
their original convictions about that war might have been. Once
again, thank you very much for a job well done.
Frank
Ahearn
Hi Larry,
I saw a piece on your efforts to document the stories of our
World War Two Veterans on the CBS news recently.
What you're doing is so amazing and necessary on so many levels.
I applaud you for your passion and persistence.
These men and women, most of whom have never spoken about their
experiences, are blessed to have found a voice and a safe,
compassionate witness in you. I can only imagine what an
emotional experience it's been having been entrusted with these
powerfully vivid memories.
We owe a debt of
gratitude to these men and women whose sacrifices in service
to our country are immeasurable.
Again, I am so
pleased that you have taken the initiative to document the
lives and stories of these remarkable Americans.
We must not forget
and they must know that what they gave mattered.
Thank You Again
Gratefully,
Laurie Hebert
Hi Larry,
I wanted to let
you know that daddy saw you on the CBS news and he was
thrilled to see himself. He's doing well he truly
holds you dear to his heart. I wish you all the best.
I'm sure he will be calling you.
Take
care
Carolyn Ward
Larry,
You are on a noble journey... touching lives along the way.
Many veterans may pass on, but the ones you touch along that
way will be forever grateful for being remembered through your
efforts. I know your premier will be a success. To
see smiles on faces which once bore traces of the
pain of war, that is success in its purest form. What
a special July 4th it will be for you...
Take Care,
Kathy
Dear Mr.
Cappetto,
I watched your program, "Lest They Be Forgotten" on TV
and was fascinated. My husband of 62 years is a veteran of
WWII, and it is only recently that we have been able to get him
to talk about his experiences.
Thank you for what you are doing. It was so different in
those times, we were all so supportive of the effort and our
men. Now we are again fighting a war, but life goes on
undisturbed as if nothing is happening. Our young people
have no idea of what it was like for those kids to go
ashore on D-Day or be in the Battle of the Bulge. At home,
we had no dates for graduation from high school as all our boys
left early to enlist. I sold War Bonds at the bank every
Saturday morning, we had ration coupons, and we walked because
we did not have gasoline. Now I am reminiscing, sorry!
When our men returned, all they wanted was to live the American
dream - own a house and have a family, and leave the ugly days
behind them. I am thankful we were able to do that.
Again, my sincere thanks to you that what these brave boys and
men did will not be forgotten.
Anna Mae Noble
San Clemente, CA
Larry -
I think the
work you have done is inspiring and incredibly important.
Capturing history, the way you have, is paramount for the
future successes of our country; for how can you forge the
future without mastering the past.
Jason
Riccardi
Hello Larry,
Larry,
I am so proud
of my 82 year old father. He signed up for the Navy when he
was only 17 years old. His name is Ken Herbert and he has many
interesting and touching accounts of the war. If you are ever in
South Dakota, please look him up. He is my hero and one of
a dying breed.....a World War II Veteran. The more we can
learn about what happened during that terrible time, the more we
will know and hopefully prevent another one. We live in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota. I am so touched on your documentaries on
World War II. Please continue to honor these men and women who
saved the world.......
Thank you,
Jill Herbert
Andersen
Larry:
We are very proud to be able to provide this series to our high
school history departments. People ask today why it is important
for students to study history/social studies, and the answer
comes from Cicero via the NCHE newletter: "To remain
ignorant of things that happened before you were born is to
remain a child." Without hearing these stories from the
mouths of the people who lived through the events, students lack
judgment that enables them to become effective citizens. One
teacher of eighth graders said: "We are sending out into
the world, not just scientists, writers, mathematicians,
teachers, and executives: we are sending citizens. Good citizens
understand the history of their country and the world."
Thank you for your work to educate children.
Gini Johnson
Wichita School System
My
dad was in WWII and landed on the Omaha Beach on
'D-Day'. He began talking about his experiences
several years ago. I could tell it was still
hard for him to talk about all that happened to
himself and his 'buddies'. Dad passed away Jan.
23, 2006 and took along lots of history I now wish I
had written down. He and his army buddies were
family. The wives and kids became family too.
They were all so young when they left home to serve
their country, the great US of A. We all have so
much to be proud of due to their fighting for our
freedom. There is so much history that will
never be told as so many pass away each year. I
am so glad I had the opportunity to share in his
stories, view his pictures, frame his medals and love
him. Thank you so much for taking the time to
capture their stories and share them with us. I
look forward to viewing your collection and remember
my dad as I watch each and every one.
Thank
you very much.
God
Bless.
Vonda
L. Mesger
Missouri
Larry,
Thank
you so much for your prompt response. I just
placed an order for both Volume I and II to be shipped
to my father. Unfortunately I have not yet been
able to attend one of your showings but I will
definitely plan to. I would also be very
interested in the
Vietnam
documentary. My father is a Vietnam Vet and
through him I’ve learned so much more of the war then
what I learned in school.
I
must also say that your documentaries are incredible.
What a great learning tool for old and young alike.
They have truly touched my husband and I and I
look forward to seeing much more.
Take
care and thank you for your gift of remembrance.
Staci
Larry,
I saw your interview on 9 News over the weekend.
I first want to say that I think what you are doing is
an amazing thing and I am very grateful that there is
someone who wants to preserve our history and teach the
truth about those who have given up so much for the
things that we as Americans take for granted everyday.
Listening to your interview on the news caught my
interest when you said, "The forgotten wars"
You are right and it needs to change, so I am interested
in learning out how I can help with this project.
Sincerely,
a proud Marines daughter,
Dawn
M. Shea
My name is
Danielle Hansen and I saw your segment on 9News Sunday
morning.
It was a great segment and I think your project is such a
wonderful and
needed project as I agree that the Korean and Vietnam War
are forgotten and
not talked about or respected as they should. My
Father is a Vietnam Vet.
Sincerely,
Danielle Drew Hansen
Hi Larry,
I am fascinated by veteran stories, plus I am fascinated
by
history in general, and that is why I appreciate your
documentaries so much. I own several hundred WWII
documentary
DVD's with veteran interviews but as you know I particularly
enjoy yours as they are well done and you let the veterans
themselves tell the story.
You are a great man Larry and I think its wonderful what
you
have done for these men. I can tell it is a real
passion for
you and it must be satisfying for you to know you have
accomplished a lot of good with your documentaries. Not
only are
each man's thoughts precious, but your film style is
exceptional
and the stories you tell are unique. I own quite a
few History
Channel documentaries as they sell every program on DVD
through
their site and while on occasion they have interviewed
German
soldiers, they certainly have never had the depth and
emotion
that you have uncovered with Mr. Gockel. Its an important
revelation for us all to understand that some of the
German
soldiers were good men stuck in a horrible situation. I
think
your new DVD on D-Day even says Mr. Johnson wanted to be
there
but Mr. Gockel had to be there.
Thanks, and God bless you Larry.
Mike Luck
Jonesboro, Ga.
Larry,
Thank you with more than words for the amazing time and
energy you have put forth in making the veterans in our
country recognized with such honor.
I can't tell you how touching it was for me to be apart of
the night in Wichita. I only wish my children could
have been apart of it as well. It has inspired me to
learn much more than I know to keep our history alive and
our appreciation growing!!
My grandpa was so humbled by the response that evening and
in the weeks that have followed. Many of his friends
didn't even know, what a shame. Again, many thanks
for all you have done and continue to do.
Blessings to you and yours,
Angie Miller
Estes Park, CO
Larry,
Wow: what a presentation you put on here 2 weeks ago.
People are still talking about it. saying what a tribute
too we veterans, you are giving to each one of us. We
can't wait until the next trip when you come to Wichita
with your next one. MY family and friends are so
grateful to you for remembering "Lest They Be
Forgotten." The dvd that Randy gave me, is awesome.
Thanks so much Larry.
God bless. Best regards,
Bill Albert
Larry,
My Name is
Richard D. Sullivan and yes I was one of the Marines that
walked out of the Chosin , Ron my brother was evacuated
prior to the Han River crossing . Thank you for your
dedication to record the words of the veterans who have
given a part of their life to protect the values of our
United States. It is hard work and we appreciate it.
Dick Sullivan
Dear Mr.
Cappetto:
Your "Lest
They Be Forgotten" project gives me goosebumps!
God Bless you for your dedication to preserving the memories
and experiences of these true American heroes.
I'm writing to
ask whether there is any cost associated with the interviews
you do with Veterans across the country. My husband
and I are active in our local American Legion and know our
members have LOTS of stories left to tell. We'd
appreciate a basic overview of the process you follow, and
any other info that might help us determine whether this
would be a project we should support.
Thank you in
advance -- and keep up the great work!
Suzan Kaye
Mountain
Home, AR
I want to thank
you for your long hours and dedication
to seeing these stories preserved. While they should
never be forgotten, no stories are as valuable or
unforgettable as when they are told in their own
words. I will continue to share your information with
others, and encourage them to purchase your series.
Joyce Vann
Hi, Larry!
I hope you
like the pictures! And thanks again for coming!
What a timely message just before Veteran's Day. I think
many of us are thinking of what we can do to communicate our
thankfulness - you really brought to us a much greater
awareness of our freedom and the people who paid a price for
it!
Gratefully,
Paulette
Larry,
Thank you so much for doing this video. My father in
law, Wallace Cackler is one if the veterans you interviewed and
he is so proud to have been a part of this and I am proud of him
and all of the men and women that have fought for our great
country. Marcia Cackler
Hi
Larry,
It
was also a pleasure for us, Larry;
(Pop is one of my favorite veterans also!)
He
was so pleased to be able to talk with you on Father’s day,
especially since we had just re-watched the DVD of ya’lls
interview again that afternoon.
We are very excited to hear about the Veteran’s Day
event in Houston; we lived in Houston for almost 40 years until
they retired in San Antonio a few years ago.
Thank
you so much for all of your hard work to preserve our WW II
Veterans stories and sacrifices…the older we get, the more
precious their stories become to us – you are a “hero to our
heroes”!!
Blessings,
Kimberly
McAdams
Larry,
I can only
imagine how honored you are to meet all these wonderful heros. I
am probably one of the "oldest" 25 yr olds, lol, but
it is a shame that people my age won't realize the opportunity
to meet and appreciate these hero's until it is too late.
Larry thank you again for making these documentaries. Since many
will pass up the opportunity to meet these hero's, you enable
their sacrifices and stories to go on and not be forgotten. We
think you're awesome, and thank you again for what you're doing.
With warm regards,
Angela Whitaker
Oceanside, CA
Larry,
I just viewed your excellent Iwo film and it was like a private
fireside chat with uncles/brothers who you respect and always
wanted to sit down with to hear their private stories. The
emotion in their faces and voices drove their stories even
further into your heart and mind as you listened. Their accounts
of when they all shared the same youth, the fear, the unknown,
the luck (for some) and the commitment to survive/look out for
one another is the common thread in their memories. Your
approach of the personal experience rather than the big picture
was refreshing and touching. The soulful music and personally
knowing some of these vets and having walked in the black,
quick-sand like beaches/terraces where they suffered, really
drives their message home of the horrific conditions they were
in..and if you think of the Suribachi to the Quarry view of the
field-of-fire they were in, it's amazing that any of them
survived.
Your film is an excellent projection to understand the human
perspective of the personal hell of war.
Thanks for your generosity and I will share it with all my local
patriotic associations.
Larry, Again a very sincere Thank You & Semper fi!
Bob
Perry
Manhattan Beach, CA
Larry,