Wind down Memorial Day with "Taking Chance"

Four years ago on Memorial Day weekend, I was taking advantage of the slow weekend and flipping through the channels. It was in the midst of a free HBO cable channel trial period and I happened on a movie called "Taking Chance."

I'll admit, I was first drawn in by Kevin Bacon. But I took my fingers off the TV remote because the story wrapped its emotions around me and didn't let me go.

"Taking Chance" is based on a true story and an article written by Marine Lt. Col. Mike Strobl, who volunteered to escort the body of fallen soldier PFC Chance Phelps back to his Wyoming hometown.

The film shows the reverence and care with which a soldiers body is readied for return home, the honor and respect the soldier and military escort are given throughout the journey home and the emotions experienced by many people along the way. 

What the movie does not do is take sides. It is not a propaganda piece for or against the military. It does not take advantage of the audience and try to hammer home a political message. "Taking Chance" is about people, not ideology. 

So if you are winding down your Memorial Day weekend and want to take some time to reflect on the purpose of this day, I encourage you to give "Taking Chance" some of your time. 

You can download it from Amazon Instant Video (pardon the messy link, I'm posting this from my phone):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003URYMX6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1369702659&sr=1-1&pi=SL75

If you watch it or if you've seen the movie before, let me know what you think.

In memory

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. A day to remember with gratitude the sacrifices of those who serve our country, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Looking for something to do today? Go to a cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers. Pick up the tab for a military family you see at a local restaurant. Pray for the safety of those currently on duty in our military. Read this post, then watch the movie "Taking Chance," and be humbled and grateful.

Taking Chance

Today is Memorial Day, the day we've set aside in this country to honor fallen soldiers. This weekend I watched a movie on HBO called Taking Chance that fits the theme of this day beautifully.

Taking Chance is based on a true story and an article written by a Marine Lt. Colonel about his experience escorting home the body of Marine PFC Chance Phelps. Lt. Col. Mike Strobl, who was played by actor Kevin Bacon, did not know Chance Phelps. But he had his own personal reasons for volunteering to escort Phelps' body from Dover Air Force Base to a small town in Wyoming.

The film showed how much respect and care are given when the bodies of fallen soldiers are prepared for return to their families. I'd never really thought of the fact that when these soldiers die in combat, they are likely to be dirty -- not to mention bloody. As gracefully -- not graphically -- depicted in the film, the military takes great care to present these soldiers in the most dignified manner, even if their families elect not to view the bodies.

I was struck by the profound respect and honor with which Strobl, and more importantly Phelps, were treated in their journey across the country. Flight attendants, tarmac personnel, passengers all showed a somber reverence for what was taking place. The film is pretty true to the facts shared in the original article written by Lt. Col. Strobl.

I think what makes this such an amazing and tender film is the lack of political propaganda. There is no attempt to judge the war in Iraq as just or not. It's not a movie about a war. It's a movie about how the military and everyday Americans say thank you to the men and women who give their lives in service to our country.

The film ends with pictures of Chance Phelps, underscoring the reality of the story.

The DVD and a CD of the film's soundtrack are available for purchase at the HBO Shop. It might be worth buying to watch and then donating to your local library or high school.