It is called Taking Chanceand it is the story of one Marine's journey "home" from the entry point at Dover, Delaware to his final resting place in the cemetary near his home town.
It is also the story of Lt. Col. Mike Strobl who saw Chance's name on the DOD's list and decided he had to Take Chance home. They came from the same small town, yet didn't know each other. It was not normally the job of an officer to be the escort of an enlisted man but something about this brought these two together.
I can't get the trailer for this movie to embed properly to see how the people react. This is a true story and this is what the Bush administration has kept us from seeing. This is the true cost of the war. But this is also the honor that is bestowed on our fallen heroes. For some reason none of the videos from HBO are embedding. So you will have to go to the web site to see them. I am sorry, but it is worth the visit.
I wish this was on more than just HBO.. I think it should be on regular broadcast TeeVee so everyone could see it. If you would like to see more clips, an interview with the real Lt. Col. Mike Strobl and see more behind the scenes you can check it out here at HBO: Taking Chance.
The honor that is given to a fallen Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Veteran is truly a moving experience. The beauty of it can't be described. The sound of Taps, the 21 gun salute, the folding of the flag. All done with precise movements, show a respect, an honor specially reserved for these fallen heroes.
But the fact that from the moment they fall, that once they return they are never alone is something that most people never know. They have an escort with them every moment of every day and every night. Ever vigilant.