Tuesday, November 11 is our Veterans Day, known as Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. It marks the signing of the Armistice of World War I, which officially took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
When I was in junior high, our history teacher required each of us to learn the poem "In Flanders Fields". One by one, we all had to recite it to him in the back of the room. I loved that poem. It still makes me cry. I remember every word and have been known to quote it at odd moments.
The poem was written by a Canadian soldier, John McCrea, after his friend was killed in the battle in 1915. A few years later, in November of 1918, Moina Michael wrote a reply to the poem and vowed to wear a red poppy every day as a symbol of remembrance. She sold poppy flower corsages to raise money for veterans and their families and became known as "The Poppy Lady"
We went to the movie "Nuremberg" on Tuesday. I didn't think I would like it, but I did. It is a movie that stays with you. It was first released at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. It got a four minute standing ovation, which was the first time that happened.
It is based on the true story of the trials of German Nazis after the end of World War II. The main story line is about the psychiatrist who interviewed them to keep track of their psychological states. He was to evaluate whether they were able to stand trial. The focus is on his relationship with Herman Goering.
Although Dr. Douglas Kelly wrote a book after the trial, it was never well received. It's out of print, but I might try to find it. The book that the movie is based on was written in 2013 by Jack El-Hai. It's called "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist". I've ordered it.
I read several reviews of the movie and they were not always good. I think it was definitely worth seeing.
"The only clue to what man can do is what man has done." R.G. Collingwood
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