NET To Host Previews Of Ken Burns' Vietnam Documentary

It has been 50 years since the United States went to war with Vietnam, tearing families and the country apart in one of the most hotly debated military actions of the 20th Century. 

Now, to commemorate the 50 anniversary, famed documentary film maker Ken Burns has made a new docu-series about The Vietnam War.

Like previous Burns films, 'The Vietnam War' will premiere on PBS stations across the country, but before its September 17th release, Nebraska's PBS station NET will be hosting a number of screening previews. 

NET CEO and General Manager Mark Leonard says the documentary will tell the stories of the Vietnam War like it has never been told before. "From what we have seen, and what we understand about the documentary, this could be a very emotional experience for many people. Particularly those who served in Vietnam or family members of those who served in Vietnam."

Leonard says those interested in the preview screening will get a taste of Burns' eighteen hour body of work. "This being Ken Burns' most recent documentary, ten years in the making, we though it was just important for us to build an opportunity for people to see and to talk about the Vietnam War."

As well as getting a sneak peek at the documentary, Leonard says they will have local Vietnam Veterans Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado and Marty Ramirez on hand at the screenings to lead viewers in discussions afterwards. "We wanted to make sure that we had facilitators who had a full understanding of the history of Vietnam War and all the implications of the Vietnam War." 

Discussions will be led by Alvarado, a political scientist and veteran, at all locations except for the Nebraska History Museum. Ramirez, a Purple Heart Recipient and veteran, will facilitate the discussions at the museum.

A full list of locations and dates can be found below and for more information you can visit NET's website here.

• Lincoln
  • Lunch and Learn--Nebraska History Museum Auditorium   
    • Dates: Aug. 16, 23, 30, and Sept. 6
      • Time: noon-1 pm 
  • Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center 
    • Date: Sept. 11 
      • Time: 7-9 pm 
• Falls City
  • Falls City Library and Arts Center 
    • Date: Aug. 23 
      • Time: 5:30 pm 
• Grand Island
  • The Grand Theatre 
    • Date: Aug. 24 
      • Time: 7 pm 
• Scottsbluff 
  • Midwest Theater 
    • Date: Aug. 31 
      • Time: 7:30 pm MT
• Fremont
  • Midland University / Eppley Auditorium 
    • Date: Sept. 5 
      • Time: 7 pm 
• Ogallala 
  • Prairie Theatre 
    • Date: Sept. 7 
      • Time: 1 pm and 3 pm 
• Norfolk
  • Johnny Carson Theatre 
    • Date: Sept. 12 
      • Time: 7 pm 
• North Platte
  • North Platte Community College South Campus / McDonald-Belton Theater 
    • Date: Sept. 7 
      • Time: 7 pm 
        • Limited seating: reserved tickets available at NPCC Welcome Centers (max 4 per person)
  • Prairie Arts Center 
    • Date: Sept. 15 
      • Time: Noon 
• Hastings 
  • Super Screen Theatre Hastings Museum 
    • Date: Sept. 17 
      • Time: 1:30 pm