Taking Chance

I watched an amazing movie tonight called "Taking Chance". If you have not yet seen it, please rent it.

It's the story of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps' final trip home, as told from the perspective of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, the Marine officer who accompanied him from Dover Air Force Base to Chance's home in Wyoming.

It's an amazingly powerful and moving testimony to the sacrifice of war and to the patriotism and goodness in the hearts of ordinary Americans.

It is at once sad and uplifting. But be warned: it will make you cry.

The movie was written from a summary that Colonel Strobl wrote after his experience taking Chance's remains home to his family. As Strobl said in an interview after the film was made, he wanted people to know that in this age of hyper partisanship, America does the truly important things with grace and compassion.

I couldn't agree more.

If you like you can read Strobl's summary at the site of the Chance Phelps Foundation. Here are the two opening paragraphs:

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.

Over a year ago, I volunteered to escort the remains of Marines killed in Iraq should the need arise. The military provides a uniformed escort for all casualties to ensure they are delivered safely to the next of kin and are treated with dignity and respect along the way.

This movie hit me particularly hard. You may recall that in June of 2007 I attended the memorial service here in Fort Collins for Sgt. Nicholas Walsh, a Force Recon Marine killed by a sniper in Falujah, Iraq. I wrote about it in a post entitled "Semper Fi":

For most Americans, the war in Iraq is a theoretical exercise. Snippets of news, pictures of death. An endless political debate. As it has been for me. Until now. Tonight I looked Sgt. Nicholas R. Walsh in the eyes from his open casket and saw the real cost of war and the real price of freedom. Not a day will go by from here on that I won't remember that image and give thanks that we live among such giants. Our celebrity-obsessed culture may celebrate the famous and infamous, but I saw a true American hero tonight. He will be but a footnote in history -- but I, for one, shall never forget him.

And, indeed, I have not forgotten Sgt Walsh. Every time I pass the Catholic Church down the street from my house I think of him, and wonder how his family is doing. I actually heard from Sgt. Walsh's mother several weeks after this post appeared. She was unbelievably gracious and appreciative.

Alas, Mrs. Walsh, it is I who am appreciative. And eternally grateful. For the many, many sacrifices made in our honor by the likes of your son and Lance Corporal Chance Phelps.

Rent "Taking Chance". It is the least we can do.