Taking Chance

I watched a great movie tonight, Taking Chance. It was one of those which makes you proud to be an American. It's based on a true story about a Lt. Col. who volunteers for escort duty, accompanying the remains Pfc. Chance Phelps, killed at 19. I'm an Air Force "brat" myself, so I already have exceeding respect when it comes to men and women who serve their country in the military.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this HBO original film. (I got it on Netflix more than a week ago, but the time never seemed right to watch it.) Finally tonight I was able to devote the necessary energy to watch a movie like that. Whew. I literally cried my way through the movie; not because it was sad, necessarily. But each time the Marines/civilians would salute the fallen hero, my eyes welled up with tears.

There's a scene where they are traveling from the airport to the funeral home. When the people on the road realize who's in the hearse, they all slow down, turn their lights on and accompany them for as long as their trip allowed. For some reason, that really touched me. I think we get so wrapped up in the completely unimportant details of our everyday lives, that we forget what others are doing for our freedom. I'm not writing this to debate whether we should be over there or not, I merely wanted to express my gratitude for those who are.

I watched all the behind the scenes footage of Pfc. Chance Phelps' family and platoon members. Although I've never met him, I don't think I'll forget him. That must seem really strange to say? I was just... deeply and profoundly touched by the story of his man... this hero. He died saving many others.

If you get the opportunity to watch this movie, I highly recommend you doing so.