Like this review? Then read more movie reviews from a Christian perspective on my blog: 101 Christian Blog. Find Christian movies, music, and more here: 101 Christian.
I have seen a lot of movies in my time, but I've never seen one like this one. This movie takes a look inside something that most of us never think anything about: what happens when a US military service member is killed in battle.
I'm sure that many of you have seen the pictures of the caskets as they come into Andrews Airforce Base in Dover, Delaware. It is a sobering reminder of what happens when a country is at war.
The question is, what happens to those caskets after they come in? This movie answers all of those questions, and it does it in a very moving way.
The story is based on an essay written by LTC (Retired) Mike Strobl. Strobl volunteered in 2004 to escort the remains of a young man killed in Iraq.
This is about Strobl's personal journey. Strobl is working at Quantico, Virginia as a manpower-deployment analyst. He feels guilty because although he served in the first Gulf War, he hasn't deployed overseas this time. He volunteers to escort the remains of a young marine from his hometown.
The young man he escorted was Chance Phelps, a marine killed in the April 2004 surge, one of the bloodiest parts of the war. Although Strobl doesn't know Phelps, he wants to do something to honor this young marine because they're from the same hometown.
What I liked the most about this movie is that it gives a rare glimpse into what really happens behind the scenes when a US service member dies. Each set of remains is treated with the utmost respect. Service members are carefully prepared for burial, and they are buried in a perfectly prepared uniform regardless of whether the service member is viewed during the funeral or not.
I have to say I cried. As a veteran, these are my brothers and sisters who are dying. As a parent, this could have been my child.
By the end of the movie I felt like I knew the people in this story, who they really are/were, and what their lives were really like.
Regardless of your feelings on the war, this movie is a reminder of the high cost of war, and what our service members have done for us. It is a relief that at least in death we are able to render them a type of respect they might not have received in life.
This movie is not to be missed.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Veteran Cemeteries and Burial Plots
- Tips for Pre-planning Your Funeral
- What to Write in Newspaper Obituaries, Death Notices and Funeral Obituaries
- Answers About the Medicare Drug Plan
- Paying Tribute To Those Who Died For Our Freedom: Taking Chance
- Writing Your Own Obituary
- What Do I Write in an Obituary?
- How Genealogists Use Obituaries to Search Online Ancestors
People That Annoy Me
By: Kasan Groupe | 23/12/2009Perhaps I’m just easily irritated, but certain types of people really annoy me. I don’t like seeing them on the street, I don’t like being forced to make small talk with them and I don’t like dating them.
Fresh Engineering Degree Graduates – Most Will Be Condemned To A Life of Misery!
By: Accessories4baby | 23/12/2009Engineering Degree Holders Everywhere, But Very Few Are Capable And Employable!Imagine being marooned on a boat at sea without fresh water, there is ‘water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink’. Similarly, the mushrooming of ‘education industry’ is turning out lot of degree holders but very few are employable.
Merry Christmas (Part #3)
By: Ernie Fitzpatrick | 22/12/2009Ah, how great Christmas is when we enter into the spirit of giving for which the intended "remembrance" is all about.
Merry Christmas? (Part #2)
By: Ernie Fitzpatrick | 22/12/2009So how will Christmas 2009 go down in history? For too many that answer is an economic one, not a spiritual question.
Merry Christmas (Part #1)
By: Ernie Fitzpatrick | 22/12/2009What is Christmas all about in 2009? And where are we headed with this holiday anyway?
Hypocritical Pet Peeves
By: Kasan Groupe | 22/12/2009Straight up hypocrites are my number one pet peeve. Here is a list of specifics that annoy the hell out of me. Every time I hear these certain statements, I want to slap this person right off their bar stool. They ain’t foolin anyone!
Government Public Records - What You Ought To Know About Your Personal Information
By: Tanner Hemingway | 22/12/2009Have you ever considered what your government public records actually consist of? Do you ever wonder who sees your information and how often it's accessed?
New Electric Golf Trolleys Price Comparison And Review Site Launched
By: Gen Wright | 22/12/2009Buying golf equipment can be challenging at times. There are a wide range of equipment out there, and they include electric golf trolleys such as motocaddy, powerhouse, etc.
How To Publish An Ezine For Your Business
By: Jinger Jarrett | 05/08/2009 | Internet MarketingEzines are an easy way to help you build a list for your business. By offering exclusive content, like articles, product reviews, and other resources, you'll build credibility with readers and make more money from your business.
Why You Need To Publish An Ezine For Your Business
By: Jinger Jarrett | 04/08/2009 | Internet MarketingIf you are looking for an easy way to build a list for your business and keep your subscribers, ezines are an easy way to do it. Ezines allow you to connect with readers and convert them into customers.
Discovering The Benefits Of Niche Marketing
By: Jinger Jarrett | 23/07/2009 | Internet MarketingChris Freville's "Discovering Niche Markets" is a complete ebook course on how to make money online marketing affiliate programs. It will also show you how to discover profitable niches that will make you money.
Are You Ready To Take The 8 Steps To Having The Life You Want?
By: Jinger Jarrett | 22/07/2009 | ReligionCreflo Dollar's "8 Steps to Create the Life You Want" is one of the best books I have ever read on how to succeed in every area of your life. This book teaches you everything you need to know to have a life you may have only dreamed of until now.
Starting A Successful Business Online: Building Your Business Education
By: Jinger Jarrett | 21/07/2009 | Home BusinessBefore you start your business, you need to educate yourself on your topic. This will save you a lot of time and money and help you succeed faster. This article will show you how to get the best free resources quickly without spending any money.
The Seven Secrets To Unlocking Genuine Greatness In Your Life
By: Jinger Jarrett | 20/07/2009 | ReligionThe Seven Secrets by John Hagee will teach you how to change your life. You'll discover what the "secrets" are, and then how to apply them in your life. If you want to change your life, then read this book.
Get The 7 Keys To Improving Your Life Every Day
By: Jinger Jarrett | 16/06/2009 | ReligionBecome a Better You is the second book written by Joel Osteen. Regardless of where you are in your life, you will definitely want to read this book. Osteen will show you how to change your life and live a life that's better than you can imagine. A must read.
Starting A Successful Business Online: Test And Track Everything In Your Business
By: Jinger Jarrett | 15/06/2009 | Internet MarketingIf you want to make more money from your business without doing more work, then you need to do a complete business analysis. Determine what works and eliminate what doesn't. Do more of what's working to make more money.