The Troy University community arrived to the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts in droves Sunday afternoon for the U.S. premiere of “Beyond A War,” a documentary showcasing the legacy of peace and partnership between TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Duy Tan University President Dr. Lê Công Cơ.
“To all of those who worked so hard to make this day possible, I want to say thank you. It couldn’t have been done without the work of many,” Dr. Hawkins said. “I’m so grateful we’ve had the opportunity to form these relationships, and for our University to truly make a statement. Wars begin and end, but love and relationships last. I think our story of reconciliation is a healthy one, but I think the very best is yet to be between our countries.”
Produced by Duy Tan University in Vietnam, the documentary short film “Beyond A War” explores the remarkable story of Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Lê Công Cơ. Once adversaries during the Vietnam War, Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Lê Công Cơ have transformed their past conflict into a powerful partnership for their universities. “Beyond A War” chronicles their personal experiences of combat and survival, and their extraordinary work in bridging cultures through education and collaboration.
In addition to viewing the documentary, guests were entertained with performances by POPulus, one of TROY’s student ensembles, and a Q&A with Dr. Hawkins moderated by Alabama Public Television anchor Todd Stacy.
Guest speakers included Brig. Gen. (USAF Ret.) Ed Crowell, Vice President Pro-tempore of the Troy University Board of Trustees, Rear Adm. (USN Ret.) Kent Davis, Alabama Veterans Affairs, Dr. Wayne Reynolds, National Treasurer of Vietnam Veterans of America, and Truong Vu Quynh, “Beyond A War” director who traveled to Montgomery from Vietnam for the premiere.
“The documentary is first and foremost the story of two prominent individuals and their journey toward a shared aspiration for education,” Truong said. “This documentary is highly relevant to the world during this time. It suggests the necessary efforts we must make to reconcile differences, overcome conflicts and find common ground to come together as partners and friends. The extraordinary examples of Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Lê Công Cơ can offer us valuable lessons about life perspectives and living for the noble purposes of humanity.”
Capt. (Ret.) Gary Michael Rose, a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor as a result of his life-saving and heroic actions as a Special Forces medic, gave the keynote address. Rose spoke about the sacrifices of war and the consequences that affect us all, but gave encouragement to never let go of our humanity.
“When you get involved in such a horrible situation as war… you have to take the time to look for the good, for your own sanity. You have to preserve what humanity is available,” he said. “If you don’t, no matter you win or lose that war, you have failed.”
To conclude the event, all veterans in attendance were recognized and presented with a Troy University Challenge Coin.
“Beyond A War” will be aired on Alabama Public Television in November.
A gallery of the event is available here.
