I’ve just finished watching the seven-part series, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History,” produced by Ken Burns, which airs on Oregon Public Broadcasting this month.
The series chronicles the lives of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in a 14-hour documentary, which follows the Roosevelts for more than a century, from 1859 through 1962. I could not stop watching as actual photos and film depicts the sufferings and tragedies of Americans during this time; the world of my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
While I recognized most of the developments and many of the people who were part of these actions, it was so compelling to begin understanding what accomplishments were actually made under the leadership and servitude by the Roosevelts.
This moving documentary is filled with countless human stories and how so much good came from the assistance of one family.
President Truman appointed Mrs. Roosevelt the first American delegate to the United Nations. In her speech, she stated, “This Universal Declaration of Human Rights may well become the International Magna Carta of all men everywhere to develop his full stature and through common effort raise the level of human dignity.” This philosophy was shared by all the Roosevelts who raised the level of freedoms and human dignity that we still enjoy today, but should continue to follow and improve upon.
If you are not able to record or watch this series on our local OPB station, you can see full episodes on your computer, iPad or other devices through www.pbs.org/theroosevelts. I highly recommend this film. They remind us we can all do more to help our community, our nation and our world.
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