Tucker’s exhibit, A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans, has traveled nationally for the last 15 years and is now permanently on display at the Museum of History in Raleigh. We are honored to have a portion of Tucker’s work to share with our community.
According to Tucker, “The photographs paint as broad a picture as possible . . . of what 18- to 20-year-old young men experienced in their year away from home (in addition to combat)—and how they chose to document it. They’re showing what they couldn’t say.”
This month the library’s Talking Service Book Club will meet in Wilkes Library to discuss Tucker’s exhibit and view a short film that talks about how he collected and curated the collection of photos. Talking Service Book Club is open to everyone; active duty, veterans, civilians, and meets at 10:00 a.m. on November 12 (same time monthly, every second Friday).
Also of note, a special Veterans Film Festival takes place this month hosted by Ashe Library and Parkway Theater, in West Jefferson. Last year, The Talking Service Book Club acquired veterans to the group virtually when meeting via Zoom. This year, those ‘long-distance’ veterans, who happen to be documentary filmmakers, are visiting us to share their work. Save-the-date to meet Ken & Betty Rodgers and see their films. Ken is a Marine who fought in Vietnam’s battle at Khe Sanh and his film “Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor,” features veterans who share their stories of combat and survival from that period. His film will be shown from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 18. Betty Rodgers has just released a film called “I Married the War.” Her film will be shown from 10:00 a.m. – noon on Saturday, November 20 and features wives of combat veterans from World War II to the present-day Middle East wars.
On November 19, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Ashe County Public Library, Ken & Betty will be available for a meet-and-greet event. Stop by and talk about the films, share stories, and ask questions. There will be other guest veterans onsite, and we welcome all to come out.
For more information and questions about the event see Wilkes Library’s Facebook page or call 336-838-2818 (x241)