Funeral Homes honor Veterans through coordinated airing of World War II documentary

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In honor of Veterans Day, members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes throughout the country are hosting a screening of the World War II documentary Lest They Be Forgotten, Volume One-Omaha Beach. The film captures the memories of the brave American veterans who stormed Omaha Beach as part of the Normandy offensive. The film is unlike any other in that it tells the story in the words of the veterans who were actually there.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes joined forces with filmmaker Larry Cappetto to distribute it to its members.

 "We view this alliance with Larry Cappetto as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge, on local and national levels, the many contributions and sacrifices made by American veterans, and to instill in people everywhere the pride and gratitude that our veterans truly deserve," said George Clarke, executive director of Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

Over 30 members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes across the country have organized Veterans Day events for their local communities to pay tribute to the men and women who have served the U.S. In September, the film was presented at the National Press Club in Washington, DC for a number of veterans organizations, including: Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Association for Black Veterans, The Retired Enlisted Association, and Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

"The members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes are dedicated to honoring and preserving the memories of those who have gone before us," added Clarke. "Working with Mr. Cappetto and participating in the distribution and presentation of the "Lest They Be Forgotten" documentary series is a natural extension of that work."

Cappetto's group has produced several unique documentaries that capture the memories of today's World War II veterans in their words. The entire effort is being supported by Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the world's largest, oldest, and most prestigious group of independent funeral service providers.

According to Cappetto, "I named this series 'Lest They Be Forgotten' because this generation of veterans sacrificed so much, but asked so little."

"What has been missing," said Cappetto "is to hear the story of their patriotism, sacrifice, and love of country in their own words." "I purposefully sought to document and honor their remembrances and memories without editorial comment," added Cappetto.

Cappetto's work includes two documentaries on the battle of Omaha Beach and one on the battle of Iwo Jima. Background and clips of the work can be seen on the site dedicated to Cappetto's work, http://www.veteranshistory.org.