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In reply to the discussion: Is it appropriate for flags in NJ to be flown at half-staff in memory of James Gandolfini? [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)35. He was someone who "Supported the Troops" in very real ways.
The actor produced several documentaries for HBO on the topic after a visit to the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom left him devastated and deeply moved by their sacrifices. The first, made in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project, was Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq and featured interviews with soldiers who survived the war with their lives intact but were left with serious physical injuries.
"I came back and was struck by the silence here in this country about what's going on over there," Gandolfini told NBC Nightly News' Brian Williams in 2007. "When I talked to these soldiers, I was struck by -- you can be cynical on both coasts or wherever you are -- honor, duty, loyalty to your country. It hit me. I guess some people forget about that, or don't think about it."
...Gandolfini followed that film three years later with Wartorn: 1861-2010, another HBO documentary that traced the history of post-traumatic stress disorder -- previously known as shell-shock and combat fatigue -- throughout American history.
Shifting the focus to war's invisible wounds, Wartorn, which Gandolfini executive produced, featured the moving stories of vets of WWII, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom -- some of whom spoke out about PTSD for the first time. Gandolfini himself led several insightful conversations with top U.S. military personnel, including Gen. Ray Odierno, then-commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, and Gen. Peter Chiarelli, former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army.....
"I came back and was struck by the silence here in this country about what's going on over there," Gandolfini told NBC Nightly News' Brian Williams in 2007. "When I talked to these soldiers, I was struck by -- you can be cynical on both coasts or wherever you are -- honor, duty, loyalty to your country. It hit me. I guess some people forget about that, or don't think about it."
...Gandolfini followed that film three years later with Wartorn: 1861-2010, another HBO documentary that traced the history of post-traumatic stress disorder -- previously known as shell-shock and combat fatigue -- throughout American history.
Shifting the focus to war's invisible wounds, Wartorn, which Gandolfini executive produced, featured the moving stories of vets of WWII, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom -- some of whom spoke out about PTSD for the first time. Gandolfini himself led several insightful conversations with top U.S. military personnel, including Gen. Ray Odierno, then-commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, and Gen. Peter Chiarelli, former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army.....
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-gandolfini-death-sopranos-star-571899
He also did movies where he didn't play a gangster, he wasn't a one-trick pony.
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Is it appropriate for flags in NJ to be flown at half-staff in memory of James Gandolfini? [View all]
Nye Bevan
Jun 2013
OP
yes. i think it is. acting is a form of art, and artists should be honored
La Lioness Priyanka
Jun 2013
#3
Technically, I don't think Christie has the authority since Gandolfini doesn't meet the criteria.
Gidney N Cloyd
Jun 2013
#7
Imo it cheapens the gesture. Don't consider this actor an iconoc figure in the slightest.
MotherPetrie
Jun 2013
#11
The flag code carries no force of law, no punishment, no nada. It's a recommendation.
MADem
Jun 2013
#30
I think it's appropriate. He was a native son who supported the troops in tangible ways.
MADem
Jun 2013
#37
lots of people have supported the troops in various ways. the only thing different about
HiPointDem
Jun 2013
#42
"Lots of people" haven't funded and produced films that discuss PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
MADem
Jun 2013
#61
The (completely unenforced, with no penalties for unenforcement) flag code has very strict rules
MADem
Jun 2013
#38
There is a section of the Flag Code that "allows" Governors to lower it for soldiers on active duty
MADem
Jun 2013
#60
This is a common thing for native sons and daughters. Gandolfini's appeal crosses party lines.
MADem
Jun 2013
#26
He was born in NJ, five minutes (well, maybe 10) from where I'm typing this. n/t
Benton D Struckcheon
Jun 2013
#36
He's a native son who had a successful and accomplished life. Why not honor him? n/t
Cleita
Jun 2013
#39
Local boy made good, I guess. I didn't much care for the man...he's just an actor.
Honeycombe8
Jun 2013
#65
I suppose. But it's not a big surprise, is it? Considering his health. He was obviously unhealthy.
Honeycombe8
Jun 2013
#72
No, it's both the US and the NJ flags. Read Christie's proclamation in the OP.
Nye Bevan
Jun 2013
#71