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This Memorial Day episode revisits a conversation with Alison Maker about her book "Making the Best Years of Our Lives," exploring the classic 1946 film that portrayed veterans returning home from World War II.

• William Wyler, the film's director, was a Jewish immigrant who served as a major in the Army Signal Corps during WWII
• Wyler flew actual combat missions while filming documentaries and lost his hearing in one ear during service
• Harold Russell, who played Homer Parrish, was a real veteran who lost both hands in a training accident
• The film portrays three different couples: a long-established marriage, a troubled wartime marriage, and a new relationship forming
• "The Best Years of Our Lives" won seven Academy Awards and was more successful than "It's a Wonderful Life," which was released weeks later
• The movie realistically shows the challenges of veterans reintegrating into civilian society while maintaining a message of hope
• Producer Samuel Goldwyn and director William Wyler had creative tensions throughout production that extended into lawsuits lasting decades
• The film remains relevant today as we continue to understand and support veterans returning from conflict

As you celebrate Memorial Day, remember to honor those who sacrificed their lives or part of their lives for our nation.