Epilogue
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Eight months ago, on an overcast Tuesday morning, Dr. John Bonin (@ArmyWarCollege) and the 18th Airborne Corps historian met in a building on @USAGCBPA named after J Lawton Collins to write this Twitter novel.
Eight months ago, on an overcast Tuesday morning, Dr. John Bonin (@ArmyWarCollege) and the 18th Airborne Corps historian met in a building on @USAGCBPA named after J Lawton Collins to write this Twitter novel.
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We’re always trying new ways to tell stories, so we thought we’d develop a revolutionary way to capture this sweep of American history.
We’re always trying new ways to tell stories, so we thought we’d develop a revolutionary way to capture this sweep of American history.
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We didn’t know exactly where the material was going to take us, what conclusions we’d draw, or what the point of it all might be.
We didn’t know exactly where the material was going to take us, what conclusions we’d draw, or what the point of it all might be.
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We simply thought it would be interesting to develop a full story arc regarding a fascinating time in our history.
We simply thought it would be interesting to develop a full story arc regarding a fascinating time in our history.
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As we dug deep into the material, we realized that this period was offered a window into the human psyche.
As we dug deep into the material, we realized that this period was offered a window into the human psyche.
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All of the conditions that motivate societies toward violence were percolating beneath the surface of the historical narrative.
All of the conditions that motivate societies toward violence were percolating beneath the surface of the historical narrative.
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So, we thought we’d try to generate insights from the #MilTwitter heavyweights. Back in March, we reached out to @BroadcastMike, @ErikHistorian, @PatDonahoeArmy, @pptsapper, @FPWellman, @jimgolby, and @jtw_ngc98.
So, we thought we’d try to generate insights from the #MilTwitter heavyweights. Back in March, we reached out to @BroadcastMike, @ErikHistorian, @PatDonahoeArmy, @pptsapper, @FPWellman, @jimgolby, and @jtw_ngc98.
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Then we reached out further, to @TBreassealeDHS and @buzzkilllprof, both of whom connected us beyond the #MilTwitter group.
Then we reached out further, to @TBreassealeDHS and @buzzkilllprof, both of whom connected us beyond the #MilTwitter group.
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So, what did we find in all this? What was the point?
Among other things, we found that Army history is a collection of stories. Those stories dig and dance in the minefield of our collective subconscious.
So, what did we find in all this? What was the point?
Among other things, we found that Army history is a collection of stories. Those stories dig and dance in the minefield of our collective subconscious.
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They are stories of our former self.
They are stories of our former self.
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They are stories of a future society that is a more perfect union than this one.
They are stories of a future society that is a more perfect union than this one.
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And those stories are the beating heart of this country.
And those stories are the beating heart of this country.
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So, that civil-mil divide we’re always hearing about? Perhaps storytelling is a way to resolve all that.
So, that civil-mil divide we’re always hearing about? Perhaps storytelling is a way to resolve all that.
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The running commentary you’ve seen here for nearly 2 weeks is more than the collected wisdom of historians, analysts, and thought leaders. This is a discussion, a dialogue not just about who we were as a Nation but about who we can be as a Nation.
The running commentary you’ve seen here for nearly 2 weeks is more than the collected wisdom of historians, analysts, and thought leaders. This is a discussion, a dialogue not just about who we were as a Nation but about who we can be as a Nation.
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That’s why, we think, we found that this story resonated with so many others throughout the country.
That’s why, we think, we found that this story resonated with so many others throughout the country.
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The images, ideas, and narrative perforated the traditional #MilTwitter “bubble” and reached out to the broader public.
The images, ideas, and narrative perforated the traditional #MilTwitter “bubble” and reached out to the broader public.
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So, we’ve spent a significant amount of time dissecting this period, talking about stuff, revealing truths.
So, we’ve spent a significant amount of time dissecting this period, talking about stuff, revealing truths.
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If anything, the last several months have revealed that across the country we should spend more time listening to one another’s stories.
So now, we want to hear from you.
If anything, the last several months have revealed that across the country we should spend more time listening to one another’s stories.
So now, we want to hear from you.
What’s your story?
END
END
Yes, they are. We are releasing the entire novel, all 16 chapters, in one tweet tomorrow at 9am
