What makes the events and soldiers of WWII so interesting?

World War II was the defining event of the 20th century -- it reshaped national boundaries, transformed modern technology and warfare, and profoundly changed lives. It was an epic battle fought on land, sea and air over three continents. You need to remember, too, that many of the combatants didn't "choose" to leave their families behind -- they were drafted and had no choice but to serve when their nations needed them. I had family members fighting for both sides in that war, all of them drafted. I think the war captures our imagination because it was a clear confrontation against the evil of the Nazi war machine -- and because the good guys won.