‘True cost of defense: ‘ Free IAF screening features local voices

Key Takeaways:

• The last known Civil War pension was paid only five years ago.
• A new documentary examines how defense expenses can extend for decades.
• Local Traverse City voices provide insight into the lingering costs of war.
• The IAF will host a free screening of the film.
• The documentary situates American military spending in a broader global context.

The Surprising Legacy of a Civil War Payment

It was only five years ago when the U.S. Government wrote its final Civil War pension check, a startling reminder that the financial consequences of conflict can stretch across generations. While the historic war ended roughly 160 years ago, its last beneficiary stood as a living testament to the enduring nature of military costs.

A Documentary’s Deep Dive

A new documentary explores the “true cost of defense” by looking beyond national borders and examining the sometimes hidden, decades-long impacts of war. From prolonged government expenditures to personal stories of veterans and families, this film reveals how conflicts linger long after the armistice is signed.

Local Perspectives in Traverse City

Bringing the global debate home, several individuals from Traverse City lend their voices in the film, sharing personal accounts and reflections. Their contributions underscore that the effects of war are not abstract; they resonate within communities far from battlefields.

Why This Matters

At a time when political conversations often focus on national defense budgets, this documentary takes a step back to question what those investments really mean. With references to federal and military priorities, it highlights how government spending for defense may ripple through communities for decades.

Free IAF Screening

In partnership with the IAF, the screening is open to the public without charge. Organizers invite community members to engage in a dialogue on the film’s central themes—drawing attention not just to historical details, but also to pressing issues of international relations and security.

Reflections on Cost and Responsibility

Ultimately, the film invites audiences to reevaluate the notion of defense. From the final Civil War pension payment to current debates over military funding, Americans continue to grapple with the reality that the costs of war—financial, social, and emotional—can echo through time and shape the future.