Posted by
American Conservative on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:45:00 PM
A few months ago a friend of mine recommended a movie on his blog. I just got done watching it earlier tonight and I would be remiss if I didn’t write something. The movie was called,
Taking Chance. It is a true story seen through the eyes of Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl (Marine), played by Kevin Bacon, as he escorts the body of a Lance Corporal Chance Phelps (Marine), who was killed in Iraq, home to his family.
After I finished watching this movie (and the bonus material of course) I spent the next little while on You Tube. Sometimes I like to get on You Tube and watch the beautiful videos that people have created to
honor and
remember “the pride of our nation.” While watch these videos one can’t help but get emotional when you think upon the great sacrifices so few have made, for so many.
I know a blog like this is usually reserved for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial or Veterans Day but I think we should take a little time everyday to remember those that have worn, or currently wear the uniform. Especially those of us you haven’t done either.
According to the most recent estimates I could find, 38 American service members have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan as of today, during the month of September. It is a national disgrace that instead of watching an hour long special on each and every one of these brave men and women, we watch American Idol, I Think You Can Dance, or the countess other meaningless programs we waste so much time on every week.
It is appalling that the death of Michael Jackson, who was at his best a revolutionary entertainer, at his worst a child molester, was idolized and remembered on TV for hours and hours, day after day. Even today, three months after his death, he is still getting sporadic coverage on TV. By my count 159 American service members have been killed since Michael’s death on June 25th. That isn’t even counting hundreds more that were injured, many permanently, during this same time period. The national coverage these courageous and amazing individuals received put together, would not add up to the coverage Michael received on one news channel during this same stretch of time.
Each and every one of us should take the time not just on Veterans or Memorial Day to show our gratitude for those that have worn or wear the uniform but every day. Especially to those who come home in
flagged draped caskets. It doesn’t matter if you support the wars or hate them. The troops that have been called upon to battle in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other dark corners of the world deserve our love, respect, and most of all, our prayers.
Taking Chance will give you hope that the United States is full of people that love and respect our troops. This sad and yet heartwarming film will touch your very soul as you experience firsthand, the
emotional journey from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to a small town in Wyoming, where the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps are finally laid to rest. By the end of this film you will no doubt echo the words of Lt. Colonel Strobl, who had the honor to escort one of our bravest, home. “Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn't know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.”
To everyone that has worn or does wear the uniform, no words can express the gratitude I feel for you. Words will never be enough, but for what it is worth,
THANK YOU!