No one got whacked
| Gen. George Casey, Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson and James Gandolfini at the film premiere of “Alive Day Memories.” – Carrie Devorah/For The Examiner |
“Sopranos” leading man James Gandolfini premiered his new documentary on wounded soldiers in Iraq at the Ronald Reagan Building Wednesday night before an audience that included former Assistant Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, former commander of the multinational forces in Iraq Gen. George Casey, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson.
“Alive Day Memories,” which Gandolfini also executive produced, has the actor interviewing 10 soldiers about their injuries, their rehabilitation and recovery.
“It made me realize how great these kids are,” Gandolfini told Yeas & Nays, adding that the film is about “loyalty, honor, patriotism and duty to your country.”
Speaking about D.C., he said, “This town has the best and the worst” at the same time. He confessed to having strong opinions, but unlike some other actors, he doesn’t wear them on his sleeve. “What I believe has nothing to do with this,” he said.
Gandolfini had just finished a brief chat with Casey, who now serves as the chief of staff of the Army. “I thought it was magnificent,” Casey said of the film. “They did a wonderful job of showing what these young men and women go through, and their courage. They see they’re really making a difference.”
Meanwhile, as eight of the soldiers depicted in the film milled about, Wolfowitz made the rounds, introducing himself to them and their families by saying, “I used to be assistant secretary of Defense.”
Following the HBO event, Gandolfini headed to his hotel, the Willard InterContinental near the White House. Before retiring to his room, he and his entourage grabbed a drink at the hotel’s Round Robin Bar. When he realized he couldn’t smoke a cigar indoors, Gandolfini took the show outside: He and a handful of the disabled veterans featured in the film grabbed chairs, drinks and smokes and created a circle on the sidewalk outside. More than a few passers-by did a double take upon seeing Gandolfini holding court on the streets of D.C.
As they stood there for nearly an hour, Gandolfini got philosophical about life, talking about friends who have passed away, the ridiculousness of Hollywood and the courage of the 20-year-olds before him.
“This country’s dying for a leader,” Gandolfini told them. “They’re dying for someone to show them the way forward. They’re looking for courage and honesty. And when I met you guys, I realized that this was what you’re all about.”
