INTERVIEW WITH LEON WECKSTEIN FROM TheCelebrityCafe.com ARCHIVES
DM) There seems to have been a resurgence of interest in WWII lately. Why do you think that is?
LW) Your guess is as good as (or probably better) than mine. Certainly, Saving Private Ryan had an impact on the public, in general. I also feel that the media, particularly the newspapers, along with our more recent generations, have begun to grasp the fact that there may be something more to life than making money. Oddly, there is something surprisingly romantic in reminiscing about the chaotic times of World War II and the grandfathers who have an amazing story to tell. Our country sadly lacks romance, is hungry for it. Without it, the system appears to need help, really needs fixing! Today's generation knows it, and I believe they are searching desperately for some kind of change in their sense of values. The eye-opening stories of every infantryman who participated in that war are historically interesting and certainly exciting. Our children share the history, the romance, if you will, of their profoundly memorable meaning, and in more recent times, they can't seem to get enough of it.
DM) Why do you think WWII stands out to the American public as opposed to all the wars after?
LW) I don't wholly agree with your concept that WWll stands out with the American John Q. Public. Of course, it does to me, but the debacle in Vietnam had to have been one of our most heinous wars, and it seems to be clearer in the minds of everyone. Why? Unlike WWll, television came into play. For the first time, our country had an opportunity, that is, if they could stand the horrors, of observing war and seeing it darned near first hand from their easy chairs. And every day! Unfortunately, it was a losing war but totally unforgettable. How else could one describe the napalm and jungle fighting over a microphone or RKO news. Television was the difference. Very few Americans saw anything to match that in WWll, except for a few movies. I'm not quite sure why you posed your question as if your concept was a fact. Sorry, I don't think so.
DM) When I said, "Why do you think WWII stands out with the American public as opposed to all the wars after?", I was basing the statement on a commentary I read recently. In it, the author said that there have been more articles and stories written about WWII in the past year than about Vietnam, and he wondered why it seemed to be on the public's mind more.
LW) Yes, the past year has made a difference in acknowledging WWll. My opinion remains that Hollywood has much to do with this. The excitingly fresh format of Finding Private Ryan certainly had an effect. Other than that, I can only guess that the recent books by big names like Brokaw, along with the first biggie in years, Citizen Soldier, have reminded many people of the massive effort made by the world, our country in particular, that probably saved everyone's ass.
DM) Is it true that you had orders to blow up the Tower of Pisa?
LW) Yes, I was ordered to direct fire on the tower if I saw anything that might be the enemy. You would have to read Chapter 9 in my book, Through My Eyes, that explicitly details the entire action of that incredible summer day in July, '44. How else could I possibly describe what really happened unless I had the dozen or so pages to work with here?
DM) How often do you get asked about that event?
LW) Regarding the Pisa event, interviews have been occurring almost weekly, but mostly from the Italian media. Our media seem to be much more "ho-hum" on the matter. Several pages of the story have been featured in many English and Italian newspapers, the most recent in the London Guardian. Next day BBC asked many of the same questions for their nightly news, and on March 13, 2000, at 8pm, the Discovery cable channel will be the first American company to pick up on my story. Hallelujah!
DM) When's the last time you saw the Tower, and what was your reaction?
LW) It was about 1990. It was the first time I had seen the gorgeous thing up close, instead of from my telescope. My wife recalls that my eyes dampened as I stood there with my mouth hanging open, like a father seeing his kid for the first time some 35 years after its birth. It might be of interest to know that I have been invited by the mayor of Pisa to meet with his entourage on May 9 or 10 for a personal tour inside. There are two large publishers in Milan checking out my book for translation, and I'll be meeting with them on May 2. I'll be back home about May 24, hopefully loaded with photos of the event.
DM) Why do you feel that our media has been much more "ho-hum" on the Pisa story?
LW) As for the U.S. media's lack of interest, I am at a total loss. I've been doing my best during the last four months to reach the L.A. Times and others on this momentous historic event. I never hear back. Apparently, they would rather do things like how long or short so-and-so's skirt was at the Globe awards. Tonight the story will be getting its first big push from the Discovery Channel. Hopefully, there may be enough curiosity around after this program airs that people will ask for more.
DM) Somebody once said, "Veterans look at war as the singular defining moment in their lives. It's much healthier to live, forget and grow on past it." Do you agree with that statement?
LW) I for one, don't live in the past. As a matter of fact, I'm having one hell of a time writing an updated version of my book for the Italian market, corresponding with a German paratrooper whose company had been fighting opposite my battalion at the very same gate of hell, Monticelli Mountain on the Gothic Line. Forget? Never! Live pragmatically, hell yes. The Germans I've personally met seem decent and regretful of Hitler's stupidity. Sure, be watchful, never forget the sixty-year-old avarice of a madman and what might happen in any chauvinistic dictatorship run amok, but I'm much happier not dwelling on that ancient idiocy. Life goes on and I'm enjoying every minute of it.
DM) How is this second book coming along?
LW) The second book has been postponed until I augment the first book for the Italian market. Their reaction to the Pisa event has been nothing less than spectacular. Seems I am some kind of Superman in Italy. I will be meeting with a publisher in Milan on May 1 to print the new augmented book for Europe, adding about 60 or so additional pages of extremely interesting data that has come to my attention since completing book one. And with Discovery providing me a segment for Through My Eyes in their program "On the Inside: the Leaning Tower of Pisa" this month, I hope to interest my own American publisher in offering the new, updated version for our home market.