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History Repeats Ep. 317 (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful History Repeats conversation, host Liam Carballal and historian Rich Acritelli continue their deep dive into Forrest Gump and the real history behind one of America’s most iconic films.

This episode takes us beyond the battlefield and into the emotional terrain veterans faced when they came home. Rich brings history to life with insight shaped by military service, decades of teaching, and personal reflection.

From the psychological scars carried by Vietnam soldiers to the rise of protest culture, the AIDS crisis, generational trauma, and the quiet heroism of resilience, this episode reminds us that history is not just dates and timelines — it is human struggle, memory, and healing.

Forrest’s journey becomes a window into America's fractured eras and the way ordinary acts of loyalty and dignity can outshine violence and chaos.

If Part 1 showed us the battlefields of history, this episode explores the battles people fight long after the shooting stops.

A thoughtful, emotional, and grounding conversation that underscores why understanding our past is essential to building a more empathetic future.

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