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A Brief History Of The Monuments Men

By Megan Landry


Cultural, artistic and historic artifacts are imperative items to show how far a society has come. War is one of the greatest threats to this history and during the madness that ensues they invariably become casualties of war. Hence, the Monuments Men were sent out to find, preserve and protect these items from the Nazis as World War Two came to an end.

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 unlikely group, these talented individuals were tasked by Roosevelt with one mission: rescue as many pieces as possible. The group comprised of historians, curators and museum directors from various countries. They were not trained soldiers nor were they provided with guns or vehicles. However, as they ventured behind enemy lines, they knew what they were looking for and set out to achieve those goals.

The chosen men and women banded together and spent a great deal of time tracking, identifying and locating various works of art. Without a wide range of resources at hand, they had to be incredibly resourceful and creative. They did so using secret notes, journals and any hints of information along the way; putting their own lives at risk, in fact many gave their lives for their efforts.

Each war is filled with untold stories about brave and courageous participants. Many of these stories are not highlighted as often. It is important that they be told. Not only to serve as a reminder of what went before but also to inspire future generations. Their story is articulated in feature film starring A list actors and actresses, which is great because some stories need to be told. This period drama brings these fascinating events to light and will certainly see more interest in these events.

Thanks to their time and dedication, many of the original owners had their items returned to them after the war. They were influential in the restoration of Europe's cultural life as well as reintroducing this element of life back into the post war. They remained at their 'post' for a further six years after the fighting had ended and continued to be part of restoring history.

So, it seems only fitting that a foundation exists to document the lives of these heroes. It provides knowledge seekers both young and old with the opportunity to learn more about these phenomenal members of society who made so many great sacrifices. It also seeks to find the helpers who have yet to be identified and afford them their proper place in history.

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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