Sailors speak: the impact of war on naval veterans, their families, and the country ["sailors speak" is a humanities-based discussion program for navy veterans, their adult family members, and the…

Sailors speak: the impact of war on naval veterans, their families, and the country ["sailors speak" is a humanities-based discussion program for navy veterans, their adult family members, and the general public. Using USS constitution as a lens, the program examines the war of 1812 and the global war on terror through multimedia primary sources. This five-day preparatory program will train ten veteran and non-veteran facilitators to lead three distinct discussion series for naval veterans and their families. Participants will interpret their own experiences as veterans and military family members in a historical context exploring similarities, changes and universal themes. Themes include motivation for joining the navy; impact of separation on families; naval service and the experience of war; returning home and reintegration; and commemoration and memory. Through this project, discussion leaders, humanities scholars, mental health professionals and those with first-hand experience will promote community building, connection, and healing through open dialogue.]