Pax Service: An Alternative to War

In 1951, a number of pacifists who resisted being drafted into the American military were instead sent to Germany for two years (under the aegis of the Mennonite Central Committee) to build homes for WWII refugees. Deemed a success by the U.S. government, the Pax Americana program was expanded to include the projects profiled here: rebuilding a school in Austria, developing food preservation in Greece, bringing modern farming techniques to Africa, establishing agricultural schools in Indonesia, and building a road in Paraguay. Combining archival materials with interviews of participants, Pax Service beautifully captures the ingenious and often backbreaking work of Pax personnel along with their stories of lighter moments of camaraderie. Altogether, Pax sent about 1,200 men to some 40 countries before disbanding in 1976. Although produced by a religious organization, Pax Service focuses on the universality of the message of peace through good works, which should make this engrossing documentary widely appealing. DVD extras include an extended version of the broadcast program, a “Pax Reunion Tour to Europe” featurette, slideshows, and a downloadable discussion guide on the history and reasons for “conscientious objection.” Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)