Sacred ground or movie set?

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:25:02 -0400

Is this acceptable use of a military graveyard?

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/families-outraged-after-veteran-cemetery-turns-mov/nkxW7/

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 9:36 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:36:51 -0400

I am not a fan of using any cemetery, military or not, as a scene for a film or tv. TV studios have more than enough funds to 'build' a set that resembles the exact cemetery they are looking to film while bringing attention to their cause.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 9:37 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:37:30 -0400

I think it's sacred ground, SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S., and turning it into a "circus atmosphere" is unsatisfactory and should be prohibited. Hollywood could "make" a military cemetery set (scene) to shoot this part of the movie. I think that would be a good compromise.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Apr 21 at 2015 9:46 AM

CSM Michael Lynch — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:46:33 -0400

I agree with all of you. My initial thought was, where has Respect gone in this country. Hollywood can build anything they need., and if not they can green screen it. Again the VA approved the decision, so that tells you why it happened. Keep sacred grounds sacred.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 10:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:12:19 -0400

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. I really don't think it's that big of a deal. They're not going to damage anything. They're likely going to donate money to the grounds to keep them in better repair. And given the context they're shown in their performances, may get people to do more research on their history and the people interned.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Apr 21 at 2015 10:46 AM

SPC Mark Beard — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:46:51 -0400

I feel it is sacred ground

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 21 at 2015 11:26 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:26:37 -0400

This will piss off folks...

Just like Government Satellites can be used for private corporation telecommunications, because they belong to the People, our National Cemeteries can be used by private organizations because they belong to the People.

I know this is personal. I know it's hallowed ground. However, it is not only ours (Veterans and Families). It is all of America's, and that includes Hollywood.

Would we be upset if someone wanted to film a documentary on the Tomb? Or on Arlington? If the message was "Veteran Positive"?

What happens if the message swaps to negative. Does that change your mind?

What if it's a school kid doing a project on his grandfather. Should he have to "build a set?" Does it become about "means." ($$)

Unfortunately, as long as they are maintaining a "respectful presence" I have to go with a stance of "let them film," as much as I personally don't like it.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 21 at 2015 11:49 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:49:12 -0400

Wow, that hit a nerve. Everything is on a bell curve. Feelings will range from "was there a movie being done there? Cool." to "what don't you understand about sacred ground, Stupid?" It's interesting that this type of thing is reported in an unbalanced manner because only complainers will step forward. This was even more skewed because there are a very small minority who will visit a grave daily. It's that important to them and I respect that. We military tend to hold our national cemeteries more sacred than the general public because we feel closer to the sacrifice and know more of them.

I'm cutting a bit against the grain. The only time the majority of the general public even sees a national cemetery is in the movies or TV with a sprinkling of the tourist trap Arlington has become. So to me, respectful and accessible use is OK by me as my view of the overall benefits win out. Many of you will think otherwise, which is fine. The report didn't talk about how much of the cemetery was used, how it was protected, etc. nor were golf carts available to offset the impact of visitors having to park further away. I have no idea if there was any attempt at outreach by the production unit to show respect to visitors. I suspect only half the story was told.

Although I can understand the reasoning behind recreations, that moves the viewer further away from reality when the goal is help them understand that these cemeteries are very real, very numerous, and in many cases, very large. That's what it took to ensure our freedom.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 4:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:11:54 -0400

If the movie depicts respect for our veterans and fallen heroes, the crew maintains a respecful demeanor and keep the disruption minmal and tries to do as much off the grounds as possible and they leave the grounds better than when they started. Then ok. Could be positive publicity for veterans.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 21 at 2015 6:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 18:01:57 -0400

It is hallowed grounds, but it tells a bigger story the US citizens she be cognizant of.