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Saturday, October 19, 2013

Who Were The Monuments Men

By Megan Landry


The progression of a society can be articulated in a number of ways. One way in collection, preservation and sharing of artifacts. Each day sees people worldwide making a real effort to preserve these pieces of history. On the other hand, the effects of war are a great threat to this noble endeavour. In all the chaos of war these items are easily intentionally or unintentionally destroyed. It was in light of this fact that President Roosevelt sent the Monuments Men to make sure someone was in the business of protecting history.

World war two saw the expropriation of numerous artistic works by the German army. These included items by famous artists such as Michelangelo and Vermeer. In the end days, as the Reich fell, Nazi soldiers and their supporters were ordered to destroy all of this work. The order placed one of a kind pieces in great danger.

An improbable group, these gifted individuals were tasked with a specific mission, that being find and rescue as much art as possible. The group was made up of historians, curators and museum directors from across the world. The members were not army trained soldiers, nor did they have any ammunition or transportation. However, they still went into a precarious situation with a goals to achieve and history to preserve.

These men and women put their minds together and began to work. They tracked, identified and found location of a variety of art work. This mission really needed them to not only creative but resourceful too. They didn't have much in terms of back up, so need to work carefully. They accomplished their mission by utilizing secret informants, notes, journals and followed up on any hint that might lead them in the right direction. This meant laying their lives on the line and for many it meant losing their lives.

Apart from death and destruction, wars are also filled with great stories of courage, bravery and strength. It is vital that these interesting accounts of wartime see the light of day. Not only because they are indicative of actual events, but because they are certain to be a source of inspiration for generations to come. So, it's great to see this story being highlighted in a feature film with well-known actors.

Thanks to the group's dedication, many owners got their priceless works of art back. On top of this activity, they were also in the restoration of culture in Europe post war. At a time when many were picking up the pieces of their lives, they provided some form of normal lifestyle for the artistic communities.

Years later, a foundation was formed to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution these individuals made to society. The foundation acts as a source of information about the lives of the members as well as the various items that were ultimately preserved. Visitors of all ages are able to learn more about the lives and history of these incredible people and their sacrifices. On top of that, the foundation continues to try and identify members who are still unnamed.

These once ordinary individuals lived very extraordinary and meaningful lives. They worked in government, museums and wrote books. The Monuments Men continue to help societies remember that everybody has the capacity for greatness. These individuals are heroes found in places one would least expect.




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