The Dignity, Honor and Respect of Taking Chance
Posted: Friday, March 27, 2009
by Nancy Daniels
Voice Dynamic
Friday night my husband and I watched Taking Chance, a movie based on the actual events in the transporting of the deceased Marine, Chance Phelps, back to his hometown in Wyoming. This is not a review of the HBO movie; this is not a synopsis of the story; and, by no means, is this a rating.
Thankfully apolitical, Taking Chance discloses the dignity and respect given to those killed in action on their journey home. When the movie was shown to over 600 high school students in Odgen, Utah, they were completely silent -- that in itself is a novelty. When it ended, they erupted in applause.
What astonished me about Taking Chance was the tender and delicate treatment of each and every service person who has given of his/her life for the safety and freedom of ours. The view in the morgue was touching. Each body, whether it would later be viewed open casket or in a closed coffin ceremony, was handled quietly and reverently. To watch the gentle lifting of the deceased's hand, to the painstaking cleansing of each and every fingernail, to the dressing of the body in a
new uniform complete with medals and rank, instilled in me an even greater awe for our country, and especially our military, than I had previously known.
The transporting of the body throughout its entire journey was carried forth with honor. No matter the rank, every one of our young men and women killed in action is awarded the same treatment.
It was also interesting to watch the reaction of those who happened to be in the area during the transporting of the body. The airport personnel who stood at attention when the casket came off the plane; the airport ticket agent who bumped the escort's ticket to first class; those driving by the hearse and showing respect by turning on their car lights. The reverence given to this fallen Marine throughout the entire transporting of his body was incredibly moving.
To think that the press has been so eager to get their 'claws' into this particular aspect of the lives of our military and their families is incomprehensible to me.
Taking Chance is a very compassionate experience. I was touched; I was moved; I was honored to witness the dignity given to our war dead.
Thankfully apolitical, Taking Chance discloses the dignity and respect given to those killed in action on their journey home. When the movie was shown to over 600 high school students in Odgen, Utah, they were completely silent -- that in itself is a novelty. When it ended, they erupted in applause.
new uniform complete with medals and rank, instilled in me an even greater awe for our country, and especially our military, than I had previously known.
The transporting of the body throughout its entire journey was carried forth with honor. No matter the rank, every one of our young men and women killed in action is awarded the same treatment.
It was also interesting to watch the reaction of those who happened to be in the area during the transporting of the body. The airport personnel who stood at attention when the casket came off the plane; the airport ticket agent who bumped the escort's ticket to first class; those driving by the hearse and showing respect by turning on their car lights. The reverence given to this fallen Marine throughout the entire transporting of his body was incredibly moving.
To think that the press has been so eager to get their 'claws' into this particular aspect of the lives of our military and their families is incomprehensible to me.
Taking Chance is a very compassionate experience. I was touched; I was moved; I was honored to witness the dignity given to our war dead.
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More commentsGreat article. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to get my hubby to take me to see it. I think we as a country are so blessed with a great military.Linda,As I just mentioned to Tracey above, this is an HBO movie. If you can see it, do.Thanks,NancyLinda,Should have included this in my first response. I haven't 'seen' you in a bit and it is good to hear from you.NancyThank you Nancy. I am reading and writing as fast as I can when I can. I will see if the movie becomes available as a rental if I can't catch it on a rerun.Thank you again,Linda D
Thank you, Nancy. I have never seen the film but I am glad that someone made it. I am very grateful to those who serve, including my son in the Army. He went to Korea, but I was still scared.This file seems to give the fallen troops the dignity they deserve, and is a slap in the face to those losers picketing the military funerals. Have they been shut down or just fell out of the favor of the press? Anyway. thank you for a great article. Well done.Thank you Ken.Yes, it is a slap in the face to both the press and those who picket, prod and poke. Whether one is in agreement with the fighting or not, never should they be allowed at the Dover facility. These people have no decency. (But then that is one of the many problems in this country.)I am thankful to your son for his service and am delighted to hear from all those at SW who either have served or have family who have served.Nancy
Nice story. Very touchy. It is short but interesting article. Thanks for sharing.Chiradeep,Thank you for reading this. Sometimes, Chiradeep, it is better to say too little than too much.Nancy
Nancy,If this isn't a review, then it's a darn good article that should be used as one! Fabulous write, and thanks for sharing this with us.Ronyae,Thank you but I didn't even tell you who was in it! Kevin Bacon was excellent in his role as the escort. Just in case you are wondering, it is an HBO movie.NancyWOW, how you read my mind, Nancy! Thanks for sharing that little bit of important information (smile)
Nancy,This is a story that is not often told; regarding the dignity that exists in death, especially for our soldiers! Inspiring read!Thank you Millicent.You are right. This is certainly something that I had never seen nor been aware of.Nancy
Kevin Bacon was absolutely stunning is his role as a stoic Marine who also had a demon; he did not have very many lines because there was very little to say. The images, accounts and behavior of all of our people showing respect to Chance Phelps showed me that we can be united as one.Steve,I agree. Great words regarding Kevin Bacon in his role. Stunning, yes.Thank you for reading my article.Nancy
Thanks Nancy for sharing how we honor our fallen soldiers. I live by Fort Drum, NY so we hear regularly about soldiers who have died. A few years ago I heard the name of a young man I had in sixth grade. His helicopter crashed in Afganistan. It really struck me. I'm glad to know his body was treated with such dignity. ValVal,Thank you for your comment. According to my father, the military has always shown great respect for the fallen.[My dad was in quite an uproar about the exhibition -- I think it is called -- The Human Body. He was taught in med school that the body is sacred, to be treated with respect. He would probably say that the exhibition is blasphemous.]Nancy
I haven't seen the movie yet, but you have convinced me that I need to watch it. Thanks for sharing this with us, Nancy.SandraSandra,I think all should see it. Thank you for reading this and your comment.Nancy
I read the entire story. Didn't do anything for me. Well written, but I'm not up to speed on that I guess.Karla,Thank you for reading and sharing your comment.Nancy
Heartfelt article Nancy. My prayers are constantly that God watch over and keep them while encouraging their families to remain hopeful. Often many times we watch movies for exactly what they are, "a movie." But, God has chosen so many ways to pull our attention to those things we wouldn't ordinarily pay attention to.What a great love they have shown for their country.DeborahThank you, Deborah,You are so right with the statement:What a great love they have shown for their country.My prayers have been with all our military since 9/11. In truth, I will not stop praying for those in the service whether we are at war or not. My admiration and respect for the miliary has grown and still grows daily.Nancy
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