Palm Beach County Philanthropist Behind "Debt of Honor"

Palm Beach County philanthropist helps bring disabled veterans documentary that airs Nov. 10 on PBS
Sun Sentinel
Marisa Gottesman
October 23, 2015

"History books tell us who won and lost wars. They never tell us the story of the continuing suffering of those who come back home disabled for life." Lois Pope

A Manalapan philanthropist is making good on her promise to herself to share the story of the nation's disabled veterans with as many people possible.

On Nov.10, the documentary "Debt of Honor: Disabled Veterans in American History" is set to premiere nationwide on PBS. The hourlong film chronicles American wars starting with the American Revolution up to the current conflict in the Middle East, with a focus on the disabled veterans who come home to fight their own personal war of survival once they leave the battlefield.

The $1 million budget film is funded by philanthropist Lois Pope, who for decades has wanted to share the story of the nation's disabled veterans if she ever had the financial means to do so. It is directed by six-time Emmy award winning director Ric Burns.

"It's an unflinching report," Pope said. "It's a candid chronicle of disabled veterans."

Burns teamed up with Pope to create the film about two years ago. They met while Pope was working on the finishing touches of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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