The Historical Society of Watertown & The Watertown Free Public Library announced they will present: “Our Boys, Armenian-American Veterans of World War II and the Women of the Home Front” a film by Roger Hagopian & Tom Spera on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, 2 p.m., Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown Savings Bank Room, 123 Main St Watertown MA 02472
In 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Tom Spera, the son of a veteran of the war, was determined to find a way to honor Armenian-American soldiers who had served their country. He collaborated with filmmaker Roger Hagopian to produce the “Our Boys” video, featuring oral histories interspersed with personal and historical photographs from the wartime period.
The film’s interviewees attend the Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown and the First Armenian Church of Belmont. These men – some barely out of high school at the time – reflect upon the bombing of Pearl Harbor, their induction into the service, their harrowing journeys aboard troop transport ships through rough seas, correspondence with their families back home, poignant and humorous moments, and near-death experiences during combat.
At the end of the 68-minute film, Roger and Tom will answer questions.
All meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit our website or contact Joyce at joycekel@aol.com
This Program is funded by a 2024 grant from the Watertown Community Foundation.