Menders

(opening)

The Vietnam War marked one of the most tumultuous periods of social and political division in American history, fracturing not only communities but the bonds within families themselves.

MARK

You’re missing the best part.

How many times have you watched this?

MARK

How many times have you read that one paragraph?

It still doesn’t sound right.

MARK

Take a break.

I have to get this done.

MARK

Holly. You have a month and a half. He sets down his popcorn. Here, let me see. What’s the hangup?

I don’t know. I guess— they want to see a certain level of like… scholarship. So it’s technically a research paper, right? But also, there’s supposed to be a more– personal voice? Like, a reflective component. I’m just… stuck on that part.

MARK

What’s the prompt?

I have to write about whatever I think is the most important event of the last century.

MARK

Vietnam?

Vietnam. Beat. I thought maybe, Dad might be willing to talk to me about it…

MARK

…You’re referring to our dad?

I know but… I dunno. Beat. Why do you think he doesn’t talk about it?

MARK

Dad doesn’t talk about anything. But also, lots of vets don’t talk about Vietnam.

Do you think he…

MARK

…Killed people?

I don’t know. It’s hard to imagine it.

MARK

Yeah, it is. Gramp used to talk so much about being over in Europe, and about his father, and his grandfather…

…but never dad.

MARK

See, that right there? THAT was always weird to me.

Oh my god! I should add that in!

MARK

Add what in?

Ummm… World War II vets and their attitude toward the guys coming back from Vietnam. A lot of them just saw the younger generation as like… a bunch of cry babies. It was kind of awful. Actually…. do you think you could give me a ride to the library tomorrow?/ Oh come on it’s like a ten minute drive!

MARK

What’s the point of having a driver’s license when you won’t drive a car!?

You know I can’t drive standard!

MARK

How many times have I offered to teach you?

I’ve been a little busy, Mark! (loud)

MARK

And you’ll be stuck at home without your live-in chauffeur…

Fine. Just… if you’re going to pick a time to put your foot down, can it PLEASE be after I finish this scholarship project?

MARK

You better remember me if you get rich.

I’ll make sure your kids put you in a really, really nice nursing home. (straightfaced)

MARK

…You should ask her if you can have those boxes. It might give you some ideas.

(After a pause, standing) Psycological Operations, or PsyOps units in the Vietnam War were responsible for influencing the attitudes and behavior of Vietnamese civilians through broadcasts, leaflets, and radio messaging.

MAURA

So like… a propaganda machine?

Basically, yeah.

SARGENT

People like you are wasted on the front lines, son. See you shortly.

When the Army began managing the public narrative surrounding the Mei Lai massacre of 1968, information operations and messaging strategies were used to downplay early reports and maintain support for the war effort. Although the exact number of fatalities remains unclear, it is estimated that between 350 and 500 unarmed civilians were killed.

CORINNE

There are a couple more boxes in the attic, but this should give you something to start with. I have a meeting at school tonight, are you girls ok to figure out dinner?

Kate and Tammy are coming, they’re picking up a pizza.

ORINNE

Ok, girls I’m out. Good luck with the project!

Bye mom!… You good? (To Maura)

MAURA

…I’ve been thinking I might stick around after graduation.

Really? Is it… is it just like, the money stuff? Like, I know it’s been rough with your mom trying to figure out everything with the insurance, but I mean… I could help you figure out scholarship applications– I mean, you’re helping me–

MAURA

I just don’t think I wanna be away from home next year. Like– just in case. 

Sure. I get that. So– what will you do?

MAURA

Run the store, I guess. It’s not that bad. Then at least my mom can be home if things get bad—

I can’t believe the settlements from the mining companies were so small.  

MAURA

Yeah, well. Lots of people were breathing that shit. Not just my dad.

Everyone here goes into mines, or goes into the Marines.

TAMMY

Ok, we were LATE picking up the pizza because Kate was taking too long and the bottom of the box like, fell apart from sitting out too long–

It’s fine, guys. Plates are over there.

KATE

Woah.

Yeah. Apparently this is one of several boxes.

KATE

Can I look? I love stuff like this.

Help yourself. I need a break.

MAURA

I mean, its a full ride to Cornell.

And it’s field specific. Plus, this kind of stuff impresses professors, and I’ll need to do some internships once I get to my junior year… It’s a lot. But it’s worth it, and I really need to get that money.

KATE

Is this your dad?

Yeah.

TAMMY

He just has all this stuff boxed up in your attic?

It was mostly my grandparents. We used to have a bunch of stuff that was like— WAY older, but my dad donated a lot of it to the Wellsboro Museum. 

MAURA

Didn’t your great, great, great, great grandfather fight in the revolution or something?

Yup. The Hansens have fought in every single American conflict for the last six generations. My dad enlisted before he graduated. And my aunt June was a nurse in the army corps.

(Matias Enters) KATE
Some of this is so cool!! Why wouldn’t he want to keep some of this out?

Hi dad.

NEIL

Hey girls. What are you doing with all that junk?

Oh! Mom said I could look through it… for my scholarship project?

NEIL

Right. Yeah. Good.

I’m really learning a lot about the war. Maybe I could show you some of what I wrote?

NEIL
I have some work to do in the garage tonight– so. Some other time.

Ok. Sure.

MAURA

It’s not you.

It’s complicated. Or so I’m told.

TAMMY

Woah. Who won the Bronze Star?!

That was my grandpa. World War II.

TAMMY

I still don’t get it. A bronze star is a big deal. People will like… prominently display these things when they have them. This is all just… tucked up in your attic?

I wish I knew.

KATE

Hey Holly? Did you say your dad enlisted?

Yeah, he went in just after high school. Why?

KATE

I found his draft card.

My dad wasn’t drafted.

Kate

You’re sure?

Pretty sure.

MAURA

Can I see?

… my dad’s name is Neil.

MAURA

Theodore Marcus Hansen. Who’s that?

I have no idea.