Do yourself a huge favor, log onto Hulu and search for a film entitled Return to Tarawa. This 47 minute documentary, which is narrated by Ed Harris, is a breathtaking account of Leon Cooper a veteran of the Battle of Tarawa and his pursuit to clean the island of litter that has accumulated since the battles end 67 years ago.
I applaud Leon Cooper for this bravery, passion and for his dedication to do something about such a horrible disgrace to the thousands of Marines who died between November 20th - 23rd, 1943 on Betio, Tarawa Atoll. I also applaud Ed Harris for lending his voice as the narrator for such an important story.
To see the invasion beaches, particularity Red Beaches 1,2 and 3 become so desecrated by garbage and litter is a disgrace for everything Leon fought for. This would not be the case at the Normandy invasion beaches in France, so why is it so acceptable for such despicable desecration to be dislayed on the beaches of Tarawa?
The documentary brings Leo back to the Atoll for the first time in 65 years. It is emotional for Leon to confont the conditions of the beaches but during his visit he meets with several government officals, which take Leon's proposals into account. In doing so, the remains of 139 unknown Marines have been retrieved and these remains are now heading back to the US for proper burial.
Please watch his film, it is amazing and very important. I give it a 10/10 as hands down one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.
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