Please join The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council, with the support of the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, for a thought-provoking conversation with Nina Berman, author of Purple Hearts: Back From Iraq, a book of portraits and interviews with American soldiers who were wounded in the war in Iraq. She will be accompanied by Specialist Robert Acosta , a 22 year old soldier profiled in her book.

Nina Berman ‘s portraits and short video provide an intimate look at the human cost of war and the powerful forces driving young men and women to enlist in the military. She will discuss the portrayal of the wounded in the mass media, the realities of military hospitals, the effects of post-traumatic stress on returning vets, and issues relating to military recruitment. Specialist Robert Acosta will share his personal story.

“Several thousand soldiers have been wounded in action in Iraq. Thousands of others have been injured in war related events. They have lost arms, legs, eyes, ears, pieces of their brains. Some will spend the rest of their lives in wheelchairs. These soldiers — all volunteer warriors – have returned home to heal their wounds and consider life, forever scarred and changed.” — Nina Berman

Nina Berman ‘s pictures have been published in magazines throughout the world including “ Time ,” “ Harper’s ,” “New York Times Magazine ,” “ Mother Jones ,” and “ National Geographic .” Her images of wounded soldiers were honored with a 2005 World Press photo award and a 2005 grant from the Documentary Project of the Open Society Institute. Images from her book Purple Hearts have been widely exhibited and featured on several TV and radio programs. She is on the faculty at the International Center of Photography in New York City, where she lives.

More on Purple Hearts From Iraq

Space is limited. Reservations Required. For more information or an invitation, please contact Kristin Millikian at 312.422.5580.