War and Disability and the Movies

I watch the news about the war, and it makes me think about the young men and women who want to protect their ccountry, to fight for the cause, to make their families proud, or for whatever reason we go to war. When the war is over they will return more disciplined, stronger, and even heroes -- but not everyone.

So many soldiers are returning wounded, to a long recovery, and for many, a new reality. It is difficult to reintegrate in society after living through a war. It requires re-learning everyday life, and for some it means learning for the first time to live with a disability.

War has a way of adding to the disability population. Each war brings with it new awareness and its own set of attitudes as newly-disabled returning warriors re-integrate into a "peaceful" society. This is sometimes illustrated to the public at large through movies.

I think of Coming Home that dealt with Viet Nam. The movie focused specifically on an angry paraplegic and the volunteer who helped him begin to accept his disability. They began a relationship even though she is the wife of another marine soon returning from Viet Nam. As I remember, disability prejudice reared its ugly head, especially from the husband. The main storyline showed a sweet relationship including a particularly passionate sex scene that catapulted the war-crippled soldier deep into his lover's heart.

A favorite World War II movie is The Best Years of Our Lives released in 1946. This movie was made when the greatest generation was returning from The Big One, and it told the story of three vets beginning their transition from life in the war to life back home. It was difficult for each, but I remember Homer who had hooks where his hands used to be. From the beginning Homer was a positive young man about life, genuinely smiling, and trying new ways of using his mechanical hands. His fear was that his fiancee would want him no longer. His two returning companions felt sorry for him, but were amazed at his dexterity and admired his attitude.

While rebuilding civilian life, again the ugly head of disability prejudice showed up . It was in the workplace and the neighborhood, but not in the eyes of his sweet intended. And life goes on.

Harold Russell played Homer with first-hand knowledge. He actually lost both hands in demolition training and was discovered by William Wylerin an army film about rehabilitation. His moving performance won him the distinction of two Oscars, one as supporting actor, and the second honorary "for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans." He spent his life working with disability and rehabilitation and died only a few years ago at 88.

I don't know the attitude Homer or Harold took to war.  Homer returned as a hero to his girl friend. Harold proved himself to be a hero, too.