Video
Into Forgetfulness
Transcript
In our lives, there are moments…events…usually lasting a very short time, that result in irreversible change. As a people, we have a need to memorialize these events so that future generations will know and remember. July 17th, 1944, at 10:17 pm, a peaceful, quiet California summer night thousands of miles from the fighting of World War II, an event took place. In one explosive moment, 320 men vanished. And in the rubble, the way the military and America treated its citizens, began to change. Most of the black sailors stationed at Port Chicago had enlisted hoping to fight the enemy. Unable to serve on the front lines, they found themselves doing dangerous manual labor. Munitions manufactured around the country would arrive at Port Chicago daily by train. As a transit site, not a storage site, the cargo had to be unloaded as rapidly as possible. It was the job of the black enlisted sailors to manually transfer the munitions from the rail cars to large cargo ships. With war raging in the Pacific, victory depended on rapid delivery of munitions, and the sailors of Port Chicago were proud of their crucial link in the delivery process. Ignoring standard safety practices, two ships were loaded at one pier. The work proceeded 24 hours a day. All the sailors handling cargo were black. All the officers in charge were white. Competition was encouraged by the officers. Loading rates for each division were posted. Loading rates for each division were posted, and incentives were awarded. Slower divisions were shamed and threatened. Officers and sailors cut corners to save time. Many people warned: the fast pace of the work, the huge volume of munitions being moved, loading two ships on one pier, and the lack of proper training, proper safety procedures, would lead to disaster. Two explosions, 6 seconds apart, ignited the night sky with a column of fire and steel rising 2 miles. The first blast was fairly small. The second, incinerated two ships, the pier, 16 rail cars…320 men. The survivors were in shock. Friends had disappeared without a trace. Next time…it would be them. On August 9th, 300 black sailors were ordered back to work loading munitions. Continued lack of training, unsafe working conditions, lack of any official explanation. Everyone believed another explosion would happen. The benefits of Navy life no longer outweighed the extreme danger of the work.” Any order but that…” “Any order but that…” After a peaceful confrontation, over 250 black sailors were arrested. The sailors were given the opportunity to put the so-called uprising behind them and return to work. About 200 reluctantly agreed but were instead thrown in the brig. The 50 remaining black enlisted sailors who refused to load munitions were charged with mutiny-- In time of war, punishable by death. On October 24th, 1944, the specially convened military court found all 50 men guilty of mutiny as charged. All were sentenced 8 to 15 years in prison, and dishonorable discharge from the Navy. Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established to honor the courage and commitment of the sailors, Marines, National Guardsmen, Merchant Marines, and civilians killed and injured in the largest homeland disaster during WWII. The Memorial recognizes the critical role they and the survivors of the explosion played in the winning of the War in the Pacific. The explosion and its aftermath was a major catalyst that helped persuade the U.S. Military to begin the long journey to racial justice and equality. Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial will ensure the story of these brave men is not lost into forgetfulness.
Descriptive Transcript
00:00 - 00:10
Visual:
- The video opens with a scene of moving water and a damaged pier in the foreground.
- Text appears on the screen: "Port Chicago Disaster."
Audio Description:
- "The video begins with footage of calm, moving water. A damaged pier stands in the foreground, partially submerged. Text on screen reads: Port Chicago Disaster."
00:10 - 00:20
Visual:
- The scene changes to a historical black-and-white photograph of African American sailors working on a dock beside a large ship.
Audio Description:
- "A historical black-and-white photograph shows African American sailors working diligently on a dock beside a large ship."
00:20 - 00:30
Visual:
- A black-and-white photograph of the explosion's aftermath at Port Chicago, showing debris and damaged structures.
Audio Description:
- "The screen displays a black-and-white photograph depicting the aftermath of the Port Chicago explosion. Debris and damaged structures are scattered across the area."
00:30 - 00:40
Visual:
- A still image of a typed report, partially visible, detailing the events of the Port Chicago disaster.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of a typed report partially visible, detailing the events surrounding the Port Chicago disaster."
00:40 - 00:50
Visual:
- A close-up of a memorial plaque dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago explosion.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of a memorial plaque dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago explosion, with engraved names and dates."
00:50 - 01:00
Visual:
- A black-and-white photograph of a group of sailors standing at attention during a ceremony.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows a group of sailors standing at attention during a formal ceremony."
01:00 - 01:10
Visual:
- A handwritten letter from a sailor to his family, describing the conditions and work at Port Chicago.
Audio Description:
- "A still image of a handwritten letter from a sailor to his family, describing the harsh conditions and demanding work at Port Chicago."
01:10 - 01:20
Visual:
- An old newspaper clipping with the headline "Port Chicago Explosion Kills Hundreds."
Audio Description:
- "An old newspaper clipping appears on screen with the bold headline: Port Chicago Explosion Kills Hundreds."
01:20 - 01:30
Visual:
- A modern-day color photograph of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, showing the entrance sign.
Audio Description:
- "A modern-day color photograph of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial shows the entrance sign under a clear blue sky."
01:30 - 01:40
Visual:
- A group of visitors at the memorial site, with the remnants of the port visible in the background.
Audio Description:
- "A group of visitors are seen at the memorial site, with the remnants of the old port visible in the background."
01:40 - 01:50
Visual:
- A black-and-white photograph of a damaged ship at the dock with smoke rising in the background.
Audio Description:
- "The screen displays a black-and-white photograph of a damaged ship docked, with thick smoke rising in the background."
01:50 - 02:00
Visual:
- A historical document with the Port Chicago incident report, partially visible.
Audio Description:
- "A still image of a historical document partially visible, showing the incident report for the Port Chicago disaster."
02:00 - 02:10
Visual:
- A plaque listing the names of the sailors who perished in the Port Chicago disaster.
Audio Description:
- "A plaque lists the names of the sailors who tragically lost their lives in the Port Chicago disaster."
02:10 - 02:20
Visual:
- A group of sailors receiving awards for their bravery during the Port Chicago explosion.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph captures a moment where a group of sailors are receiving awards for their bravery during the explosion."
02:20 - 02:30
Visual:
- The damaged port facilities with twisted metal and scattered debris.
Audio Description:
- "The video shows the damaged port facilities, with twisted metal and scattered debris indicating the magnitude of the explosion."
02:30 - 02:40
Visual:
- A modern-day view of the Port Chicago Memorial with informational signs.
Audio Description:
- "A modern-day view of the Port Chicago Memorial reveals informational signs detailing the site's history."
02:40 - 02:50
Visual:
- A color photograph of the Port Chicago Memorial with a wreath laid at the base during a remembrance ceremony.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph shows a wreath laid at the base of the Port Chicago Memorial during a remembrance ceremony."
02:50 - 03:00
Visual:
- An informational display inside the memorial visitor center.
Audio Description:
- "A still image of an informational display inside the memorial visitor center provides historical context for visitors."
03:00 - 03:10
Visual:
- A black-and-white photograph of sailors loading ammunition onto a ship at the Port Chicago dock.
Audio Description:
- "The screen shows a black-and-white photograph of sailors loading ammunition onto a ship at the Port Chicago dock."
03:10 - 03:20
Visual:
- A historical marker describing the events of the Port Chicago explosion.
Audio Description:
- "A still image of a historical marker provides a detailed description of the events leading to the Port Chicago explosion."
03:20 - 03:30
Visual:
- A photograph of a group of visitors listening to a tour guide at the memorial site.
Audio Description:
- "A group of visitors listens attentively to a tour guide at the Port Chicago memorial site."
03:30 - 03:40
Visual:
- An old newspaper article with the headline "Court-Martial of Port Chicago Sailors."
Audio Description:
- "An old newspaper article appears with the headline: Court-Martial of Port Chicago Sailors."
03:40 - 03:50
Visual:
- A group of sailors in formation during a memorial service at Port Chicago.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows sailors in formation during a solemn memorial service at Port Chicago."
03:50 - 04:00
Visual:
- A close-up of a sailor's uniform from the World War II era, displayed at the visitor center.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of a sailor's World War II era uniform, displayed prominently at the visitor center."
04:00 - 04:10
Visual:
- A color photograph of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial entrance.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph captures the entrance of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial."
04:10 - 04:20
Visual:
- A detailed map of the Port Chicago area during World War II.
Audio Description:
- "A detailed map of the Port Chicago area during World War II shows strategic locations and key points of interest."
04:20 - 04:30
Visual:
- The devastated port area immediately after the explosion.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph depicts the devastated port area immediately after the explosion, with rubble and destruction visible."
04:30 - 04:40
Visual:
- An award citation given to a sailor for his actions during the Port Chicago disaster.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of an award citation given to a sailor for his commendable actions during the Port Chicago disaster."
04:40 - 04:50
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial site with the American flag at half-mast.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph of the Port Chicago Memorial site shows the American flag at half-mast, honoring those lost."
04:50 - 05:00
Visual:
- A historical letter detailing the impact of the Port Chicago explosion on the local community.
Audio Description:
- "A handwritten letter details the significant impact of the Port Chicago explosion on the local community."
05:00 - 05:10
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial during a sunny day, with visitors walking around.
Audio Description:
- "A sunny day at the Port Chicago Memorial, with visitors walking and reflecting at the site."
05:10 - 05:20
Visual:
- A list of names of the sailors who died in the explosion, engraved on a plaque.
Audio Description:
- "A plaque displays the engraved names of the sailors who perished in the Port Chicago explosion."
05:20 - 05:30
Visual:
- The aftermath of the explosion with rescue workers on site.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows rescue workers on site amidst the aftermath of the explosion."
05:30 - 05:40
Visual:
- An old military order related to the Port Chicago operations.
Audio Description:
- "A still image of an old military order related to the operations at Port Chicago."
05:40 - 05:50
Visual:
- A modern-day commemorative event at the Port Chicago Memorial, with people gathered around.
Audio Description:
- "A modern-day commemorative event at the Port Chicago Memorial, with a large crowd in attendance."
05:50 - 06:00
Visual:
- A historical photograph showing sailors handling ammunition at the dock.
Audio Description:
- "A historical photograph shows sailors handling ammunition at the Port Chicago dock."
06:00 - 06:10
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial at dusk, with lights illuminating the site.
Audio Description:
- "A photograph of the Port Chicago Memorial at dusk, beautifully illuminated by lights."
06:10 - 06:20
Visual:
- A close-up of the memorial plaque with engraved names and dates.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of the memorial plaque shows engraved names and dates, honoring those who died."
06:20 - 06:30
Visual:
- A military tribunal related to the Port Chicago mutiny.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows a military tribunal convened for the Port Chicago mutiny."
06:30 - 06:40
Visual:
- An educational display inside the visitor center, explaining the history of Port Chicago.
Audio Description:
- "An educational display inside the visitor center provides an in-depth explanation of Port Chicago's history."
06:40 - 06:50
Visual:
- A wreath-laying ceremony at the Port Chicago Memorial.
Audio Description:
- "A photograph captures a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Port Chicago Memorial."
06:50 - 07:00
Visual:
- A historical document with signatures of the sailors involved in the incident.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of a historical document shows the signatures of sailors involved in the Port Chicago incident."
07:00 - 07:10
Visual:
- The explosion site with military personnel surveying the damage.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows military personnel surveying the extensive damage at the explosion site."
07:10 - 07:20
Visual:
- A modern informational plaque at the memorial site, detailing the explosion's impact.
Audio Description:
- "A modern informational plaque at the memorial site details the significant impact of the explosion."
07:20 - 07:30
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial with flowers and tributes laid at the base.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph shows flowers and tributes laid at the base of the Port Chicago Memorial."
07:30 - 07:40
Visual:
- A historical photo showing the loading of munitions at the Port Chicago dock.
Audio Description:
- "A historical photo shows sailors loading munitions at the Port Chicago dock."
07:40 - 07:50
Visual:
- A commemorative event at the Port Chicago Memorial with a large crowd in attendance.
Audio Description:
- "A photograph of a commemorative event at the Port Chicago Memorial, with a large crowd gathered."
07:50 - 08:00
Visual:
- A close-up of a sailor's diary entry from the time of the explosion.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of a sailor's diary entry provides a personal account of the explosion."
08:00 - 08:10
Visual:
- The damaged port with rescue efforts underway.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows the damaged port with rescue efforts actively underway."
08:10 - 08:20
Visual:
- A newspaper headline reporting the court-martial of the sailors involved in the Port Chicago mutiny.
Audio Description:
- "A newspaper headline reports on the court-martial of sailors involved in the Port Chicago mutiny."
08:20 - 08:30
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial during an anniversary event, with people paying their respects.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph shows people paying their respects at the Port Chicago Memorial during an anniversary event."
08:30 - 08:40
Visual:
- A letter from a sailor to his family, describing the explosion and its aftermath.
Audio Description:
- "A handwritten letter from a sailor to his family describes the explosion and its devastating aftermath."
08:40 - 08:50
Visual:
- A group of sailors at Port Chicago, standing beside a large ship.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows a group of sailors standing beside a large ship at Port Chicago."
08:50 - 09:00
Visual:
- A historical document listing the charges against the sailors in the Port Chicago mutiny trial.
Audio Description:
- "A still image of a historical document lists the charges against the sailors involved in the Port Chicago mutiny trial."
09:00 - 09:10
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial with visitors exploring the site.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph shows visitors exploring the Port Chicago Memorial site on a clear day."
09:10 - 09:20
Visual:
- A map of the Port Chicago area with marked points of interest.
Audio Description:
- "A detailed map of the Port Chicago area shows marked points of interest from the World War II era."
09:20 - 09:30
Visual:
- A memorial service held at the Port Chicago site shortly after the explosion.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph captures a memorial service held at the Port Chicago site shortly after the explosion."
09:30 - 09:40
Visual:
- An educational poster displayed at the visitor center, highlighting the significance of the Port Chicago disaster.
Audio Description:
- "An educational poster at the visitor center highlights the historical significance of the Port Chicago disaster."
09:40 - 09:50
Visual:
- The Port Chicago Memorial at sunrise, with the first light hitting the plaques.
Audio Description:
- "A color photograph of the Port Chicago Memorial at sunrise, with the first light illuminating the plaques."
09:50 - 10:00
Visual:
- A close-up of an artifact from the explosion, displayed at the visitor center.
Audio Description:
- "A close-up of an artifact from the Port Chicago explosion is displayed prominently at the visitor center."
10:00 - 10:10
Visual:
- The Port Chicago site with a damaged ship in the foreground.
Audio Description:
- "A black-and-white photograph shows the Port Chicago site with a heavily damaged ship in the foreground."
10:10 - 10:20
Visual:
- A modern-day informational sign at the memorial, detailing the explosion's impact.
Audio Description:
- "A modern-day informational sign at the memorial details the explosion's impact and historical significance."
10:20 - 10:30
Visual:
- A group of visitors at the Port Chicago Memorial, with a tour guide explaining the site.
Audio Description:
- "A group of visitors is shown at the Port Chicago Memorial, listening to a tour guide explain the site's history."
10:30 - 10:40
Visual:
- The final scene of the video, with text thanking viewers for remembering the Port Chicago disaster and its significance.
Audio Description:
- "The final scene shows text thanking viewers for remembering the Port Chicago disaster and recognizing its historical significance."
Description
A documentary about the Port Chicago disaster.
Duration
10 minutes, 40 seconds
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