The concept of memorials to atrocities and war is, sadly, something humanity has become familiar with. We have come to understand that monuments aren't necessarily remembrances of good, but can be reminders of evil. What any fan of sci-fi should be able to appreciate is how this episode uses science fiction to actually accomplish something with a real-world idea, the concept of living memory (not unique to this episode in ST terms, of course, with the most famous example being the TNG episode, "The Inner Light".)
Though the show mentions Khitomer and Gettysburg, and one reviewer brings up the Holocaust, this episode appears to be most directly related to the My Lai massacre, one of the more horrific atrocities by soldiers against unarmed civilians in recent memory (and one of the most appalling cases of miscarriage of justice in the aftermath.) The episode's lack of subtlety in this regard actually serves a function, reminding us that even the so-called "good guys" can commit terrible things when pushed past their breaking point, and even in the midst of evil, there can be a lot of very scared desperate people who would never have dreamed they were capable of such things. It's a powerful reminder, and Janeway's reasoning for recharging the memorial is a compelling one in that regard.
Speaking of Janeway's decision, I think at least a couple reviewers weren't paying attention when she very clearly states that they will, in addition to powering the memorial, put up a warning buoy so others who approach will know what to expect if they come close, giving them the choice to experience the memories or, you know, say "Nah" and move on. Janeway had to the foresight to protect both the memories and those who might unwittingly approach the monument and be treated to the same experience. That issue was anticipated and written into the script.
Though the show mentions Khitomer and Gettysburg, and one reviewer brings up the Holocaust, this episode appears to be most directly related to the My Lai massacre, one of the more horrific atrocities by soldiers against unarmed civilians in recent memory (and one of the most appalling cases of miscarriage of justice in the aftermath.) The episode's lack of subtlety in this regard actually serves a function, reminding us that even the so-called "good guys" can commit terrible things when pushed past their breaking point, and even in the midst of evil, there can be a lot of very scared desperate people who would never have dreamed they were capable of such things. It's a powerful reminder, and Janeway's reasoning for recharging the memorial is a compelling one in that regard.
Speaking of Janeway's decision, I think at least a couple reviewers weren't paying attention when she very clearly states that they will, in addition to powering the memorial, put up a warning buoy so others who approach will know what to expect if they come close, giving them the choice to experience the memories or, you know, say "Nah" and move on. Janeway had to the foresight to protect both the memories and those who might unwittingly approach the monument and be treated to the same experience. That issue was anticipated and written into the script.
