Memorial Day (Observed)

A few notable movies (really, in no particular order) that might be worth a few hours of your time over the next month or so as we observe five significant dates that are (in my mind, at least), indivisibly linked -- Memorial Day, D-Day, Flag Day, Father's Day and Independence Day --

1. BATTLEGROUND (1949) -- My personal favorite of the genre. It's not high-tech, but both the acting and directing hits the mark. However, this is somewhat seasonal -- an annual winter ritual in the Salad house.

2. STALAG 17 (1953) -- In the top ten of just about any list of war movies, it is without question #1 in the sub-genre of POW films. And, no, Hogan's Heroes was not based on it.

3. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998) -- Technically, probably the best WWII movie ever made both for its authenticity and overall quality. Worth seeing for the opening sequence alone.

4. THE LONGEST DAY (1962) -- A thorough, star-studded epic depiction of the normandy invasion. A little long and sometimes uneven, but that's what makes it an epic.

5. THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963) -- Steve McQueen. Richard Attenborough. James Garner. Charles Bronson. Donald Pleasance. James Coborn. Enough said.

6. THE BRIDGE AT REMAGEN (1969) -- Somewhat obscure, and a favorite for personal reasons, but nonetheless a solid effort that it perhaps more true to history than anything else on this list.

7. INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (1989) -- Good father-son fare.

8. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) -- A good way to remember those who came home.

9. PEARL HARBOR (2001) -- Yes, I've seen TORA TORA TORA and FROM HERE TO ETERNITY -- great pictures, both. And, yes, I know Ben Affleck can't act to save his life. But if you're looking for solid action, good cinematography, reasonably historic accuracy and a satisfying resolution to it all, this is a good place to start.

10. SERGEANT YORK (1941) -- I have to get at least one WWI film in here. Worth seeing not only to witness Gary Cooper in his prime, but to challenge those pacifistic pontifications you may have heard in college.