Taking Chance

Last night I watched a film on HBO that I will honestly say, touched me more than any ever has. The movie was "Taking Chance". The film chronicles the journey of a Marine Lt. Colonel who volunteers to escort the body of a Marine Pfc from his home town back home after he was killed in Iraq. The military has a little known policy of having a full dress, military honor escort from the moment a fallen serviceman or woman leaves the staging base in Dover, Delaware to be taken to his or her place of burial. This story is based on the journal kept by the Lt. Colonel of the 3 day journey, including the funeral and interaction with the family of Chance Phelps. Most Americans don't realize our military does this. They don't realize the protocol that is involved in making sure the casket is always transported feet first, and full honors is given each time the casket is loaded or unloaded from a mode of transportation, whether that is a plane, SUV, or hearse. They don't realize that a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine is never left alone until they arrive "home". All of the civilians the Colonel encountered along the way were moved and honored to witness this incredible tradition. There were no catcalls, rantings about the evil of war, or protests. They all stood in reverence each time honors were displayed by the Colonel. The Colonel then met with the family and learned about the Marine he had been escorting, and attended the funeral in full dress blues. It's really too bad this had to be on HBO, because every American should see this film!