A son’s Memorial Day salute to Hispanic soldiers of WWII

“On this Memorial Day, I honor my dad.

Not that I need a holiday to honor my father, but Ken Burns moved me to this one. The controversy about Burns’ World War II documentary made me understand that honoring my father is a responsibility I dare not delegate to Hollywood or television. If I did, Dad would eternally do without the honor he and millions of his fellow World War II soldados richly deserve.

There is nothing quite so bruising as a fight about history, and Burns stepped on a mine when his original documentary on World War II neglected the considerable contribution of Hispanic — mostly Mexican American — troops. Burns probably didn’t intend to slight them. After all, World War II Latinos haven’t gotten much recognition from Anglo historians and other image-makers for their service and sacrifice. Because research builds on previous research, the oversight continues.”

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