Are we too complacent, not realizing the price of our freedom?\u00a0 I watched a movie about the cost of this freedom.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In fact, I watched the movie four times, each time with tears.\u00a0 The movie is a simple look at the price of our freedom, a simple reminder of what we have, a simple thank you.<\/p>\n
A world away, a day in Iraq, a suicide vehicle, a convoy attacked, a long drive in the middle of the night, a knock on the door, and an “I’m sorry to inform you.”<\/p>\n
A Marine is packed in ice for the trip home, draped with the American flag while stateside, a Marine colonel sits quietly in the dark, reading the day’s reports.\u00a0 The colonel sees his family every night.\u00a0 He has been at war, but not this war.\u00a0 He should have been there.\u00a0 He is a Marine.\u00a0 But, what can he do?\u00a0 He volunteers to escort the young Marine private home to his family.<\/p>\n
A Marine is coming home.\u00a0 A team prepares the Marine, gently cleansing him, saying thank you with their care.\u00a0 A sergeant presents the Marine to the colonel saying, “It’s been my privilege to care for him, Sir.”\u00a0 He is ready for the trip home.<\/p>\n
The young man who drives the colonel and his Marine to the airport says he volunteered for these trips because “he just wanted to do something” to help.<\/p>\n
At the airport, the Marine is unloaded from the hearse, the colonel offering one of the many slow, perfect salutes showing respect to the Marine.\u00a0 The ticket agent understands the colonel’s mission, upgrading him to first class, and thanking him for his service.\u00a0 Another slow, perfect salute when the Marine is loaded on the plane with baggage handlers, hats over their hearts, offering their respect.\u00a0 The flight attendant also understands, gently and tearfully placing a cross in the colonel’s hand, saying “I want you to have this.”<\/p>\n
They have an overnight layover at an airport in the Midwest with a hotel room awaiting the colonel; but this is his Marine, his responsibility.\u00a0 He stays with his Marine, sleeping in a chair in the airport storage hanger.<\/p>\n
The next day he continues the journey, the plane’s captain asking the passengers to honor the Marine by remaining seated while the colonel leaves the plane.\u00a0 With tears in their eyes, passengers silently watch the colonel yet again offer the slow, perfect salute as the Marine is unloaded from the plane.<\/p>\n
Now, the long drive through the Wyoming countryside from the airport to the Marine’s hometown.\u00a0 As they travel, several cars pass them and realize the honor of what is happening.\u00a0 A caravan of cars forms with headlights on, escorting the escort and his Marine.<\/p>\n
Arriving at the church, the colonel asks to check his Marine’s uniform.\u00a0 He is gently reminded the Marine will not be viewed because of his injuries.\u00a0 The colonel understands, but insists on seeing his Marine to make sure he is “squared away.”<\/p>\n
Tears of pride run down the colonel’s face as he is presented with a Marine in uniform; every seam ironed, every pleat perfect, every medal in order, his brass belt buckle polished to a high sheen.\u00a0 The Marine is “squared away.”\u00a0 Those preparing the body knew he would not be viewed, yet he was perfect — the final honor, the final show of respect, the final thank you for our freedom.<\/p>\n
The escort completed his mission.\u00a0 He brought the Marine home.\u00a0 He brought the boy home.\u00a0 He brought the son home.\u00a0 The colonel and the private touched the lives of the people they encountered on their journey.\u00a0 Those people are\u00a0 a bit more appreciative of their freedom and more understanding of the price of that freedom.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maybe each of us needs the privilege of being an escort, allowed the honor of “Taking Chance” home.\u00a0 Thank you Chance Phelps and all the Chance Phelps who died for us, and all the Chance Phelps who live in harm’s way for us.\u00a0 They are our freedom.<\/p>\n
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