For too many kids, World War II is a video game. Our schools, a special problem in America, barely gloss over the war that truly shaped the global 20th century. “Band of Brothers” followed “Saving Private Ryan” and began a renaissance in the veterans and the events of the war. Dusty old books and thick tomes of famous generals were replaced with the magic of Hollywood. But out of that magic, came stories of real men. Real heroes who fought and bled and died for the freedoms we too often today, take for granted.
By Chris Langlois, a Doc Roe grandson
And so, an idea I’ve had for several years is in the process of coming to fruition. An illustrated book about the men of Easy Company, those Band of Brothers, who have captured the hearts of so many around the world. With the hope of reaching young minds, the book will join words and painted illustrations by the talented Anneke Helleman, to educate and inspire. The ultimate goal is help children, our future generations of leaders, to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of the men and women who served in WWII. Those accomplishments and sacrifices are ones we can ill-afford to forget. ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’
By Anneke Helleman
Another special aspect of the book is that I’m working with a teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who has been showing the mini-series to his students for 10 years now. I’m excited for his enthusiasm for the project as well as his insights toward making the book appropriate and interesting for those young minds.
A portion of the profits from the book will go toward the World War II Foundation and the Band of Brothers Family Foundation . Both are non-profit organizations with the goal of educating and honoring our WWII veterans. Published by DOC ROE PUBLISHING, the book is expected to be completed by the end of the summer 2017 and will be distributed, via Amazon, in the U.S., U.K. and EU.
Anneke Helleman
