Trending...
- California: Three years after the end of Roe, Governor Newsom, First Partner sound the alarm on Trump's "Big, Beautiful" plan to defund Planned Parenthood - 114
- Ascent Solar Technologies Enters Collaborative Agreement Notice with NASA to Advance Development of Thin-Film PV Power Beaming Capabilities: ASTI
- California awards over $15 million to apprenticeship programs connecting youth to high-paying jobs
At a small town bar someplace in the USA, veterans debate the Iraq War and the cost of "answering the Call" and its impact on them, their families, friends and community.
LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Francis Hamit is the last guy you would expect to write an anti-war play. He is an Army brat who served four years in the U.S. Army Security Agency during the Vietnam War and had a tour there himself.
"I mostly write about two things," he says,"Soldiers and spies. My background is in Military Intelligence and I try to stay current with how the American military has changed in the decades since the Vietnam War ended. For many of those who were it there, it never did, because American society turned on us and blamed us for losing the war and every bad thing that happened there. We were all accused of being drug addicts and war criminals, and that legacy has passed to subsequent generations of American soldiers. Most Americans no longer know us, nor do they want to. We are there on the front lines, but everyone else is at the Mall."
More on The Californer
https://www.stageplays.com/products/memorial_day
https://www.facebook.com/francis.hamit/
MEMORIAL DAY is a two act, one set, seven character play set in a small town or city neighborhood someplace in the USA. Anywhere between Alabama and Alaska. One of the men was an Army Ranger on D-Day in World War Two. Part of the so-called "Greatest Generation". The others came later. The bar is owned by a Vietnam veteran, a draftee who one day got into a situation that earned him the Medal of Honor. He doesn't know what to do with the fame that comes with that award, and resists efforts by other to exploit it. He will not even march in the town's annual Memorial Day parade. Anyone who ever lived in a small town will find these folks relatable.
More on The Californer
"I wrote this in 2004, and in 2005 it was performed in a three day workshop program at Masquers Playhouse in Richmond, California as part of their Envision program. I rewrote it slightly, but I'm still seeking a full production. I finally decided to put it out directly through Stageplays.com, where anyone can buy it, read it, and, if they want to perform it just pay their standard royalty. I have a lot of other projects, but this one is close to my heart and I really want it produced. It may not work for a big professional theatre organization, but I am sure there are some Community Theatre groups that will love it."
"I mostly write about two things," he says,"Soldiers and spies. My background is in Military Intelligence and I try to stay current with how the American military has changed in the decades since the Vietnam War ended. For many of those who were it there, it never did, because American society turned on us and blamed us for losing the war and every bad thing that happened there. We were all accused of being drug addicts and war criminals, and that legacy has passed to subsequent generations of American soldiers. Most Americans no longer know us, nor do they want to. We are there on the front lines, but everyone else is at the Mall."
More on The Californer
- Long Beach to Conduct Annual Summer Recess for City Council Meetings During July
- Plan to Launch Silo Technologies' Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Ultimate Nationwide Deployment via Exclusive Partnership: Stock Symbol: BULT
- Robert Michael & Co. Real Estate Team Celebrates Industry Recognition and Showcases Premier Central Florida Listings
- Montessori Stoppani Partners with Lifetime Montessori School
- Cymbiotika Celebrates 2025 Great Place To Work Certification™
https://www.stageplays.com/products/memorial_day
https://www.facebook.com/francis.hamit/
MEMORIAL DAY is a two act, one set, seven character play set in a small town or city neighborhood someplace in the USA. Anywhere between Alabama and Alaska. One of the men was an Army Ranger on D-Day in World War Two. Part of the so-called "Greatest Generation". The others came later. The bar is owned by a Vietnam veteran, a draftee who one day got into a situation that earned him the Medal of Honor. He doesn't know what to do with the fame that comes with that award, and resists efforts by other to exploit it. He will not even march in the town's annual Memorial Day parade. Anyone who ever lived in a small town will find these folks relatable.
More on The Californer
- Long Beach: LA28 Announces Finalized Sailing Venue Plan for 2028 Olympic Games
- Individual Software Announces New Versions of its Four Typing Programs in 2025
- Britt Michaelian Brings Transformative Art & Wellness to The Ecology Center's Peace Dome
- California: Governor Newsom urges safety this Fourth of July after 600,000 pounds of illegal explosives seized
- AI-Based Neurotoxin Countermeasure Initiative Launched to Address Emerging National Security Needs: Renovaro, Inc. (N A S D A Q: RENB)
"I wrote this in 2004, and in 2005 it was performed in a three day workshop program at Masquers Playhouse in Richmond, California as part of their Envision program. I rewrote it slightly, but I'm still seeking a full production. I finally decided to put it out directly through Stageplays.com, where anyone can buy it, read it, and, if they want to perform it just pay their standard royalty. I have a lot of other projects, but this one is close to my heart and I really want it produced. It may not work for a big professional theatre organization, but I am sure there are some Community Theatre groups that will love it."
Source: Francis Hamit, Author & Playwright
Filed Under: Entertainment, Publishing
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- California: El Gobernador Newsom firma un presupuesto estatal equilibrado que reduce los impuestos a los veteranos, financia completamente las comidas escolares gratuitas, construye más viviendas y crea empleos
- California: Governor Newsom signs balanced state budget that cuts taxes for vets, fully funds free school meals, builds more housing, & creates jobs
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 6.27.25
- NYC Leadership Strategist Stacie Selise Launches Groundbreaking 4S Framework Series to Redefine Executive Excellence
- Baby Boomer Housing Trend: Big Homes Out, Simplicity In
- Governor Newsom slams Trump over bill that would cut millions in health coverage, food assistance for California
- Jamison & Tania Events Wins Dual California Wedding Day Magazine "Best of 2025" Awards
- California invests billions of dollars to fix roads with "gas tax," expand bus and train service
- Long Beach: City Offering Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp to Inspire Next Generation of Aerospace Professionals
- Make Innovation Matter: Support H.R.1's R&D Expensing Relief for American Small Businesses
- California: Governor Newsom statement on nationwide injunctions
- City of Long Beach Facilities and Services Schedule for Independence Day
- Agreement to Supply US-Based Defense Provider with Thin-Film Solar Tech for Orbital Application; Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (N A S D A Q: ASTI)
- Introducing The AI Bleederboard™
- Aviator Nation Launches Exclusive MLB Capsule Collections
- Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson Launches Independence Day Safe Ride Initiative with 500 Free Uber Credits
- PriceSmart Announces Change to Previously Scheduled Conference Call
- Official Promo For 'The Ambony' Unveiled Ahead Of July 1st Launch
- TOMORROW: Governor Newsom to respond to Trump's Big Ugly Bill, outline devastating hit to Californians' health care
- Work + Wellness? It Is Possible: