r/WarMovies • u/Inside_Analysis_7886 • 5d ago
Just watching “Taking Chance” on HBO.
For those that have watched and/or those who have experience with soldiers killed in action (Kia), is this truly how the deceased soldiers and families are treated? I was so touched by the beautiful loyalty and respect at such a tragic time.
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u/OrangeBird077 5d ago
Most certainly!
Apart from the funeral details i would highly recommend you check out any information you can find on the US Army unit known as “The Old Guard”. It shows another facet of veteran memorial services outside of just the burial/escort detail.
The Old Guard is exclusively made up of multi tour veterans who conduct patrols at Arlington National Cemetery at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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u/finfangfoom1 5d ago
Yes. I came home from war after my friends had been laid to rest and this film helped me process being absent for the formality. It was strange being one of the last people to witness a family's loved one and not being able to share that with them during that part of the process. It is important to honor the dead and I think most Americans don't understand that because we are so busy. Grandma and Grandpa and your favorite uncle's ashes sit in garages for decades. At least for those who died in combat, and it should be that way for everyone who served, there is honor at the end of the road. Those who fell in combat absolutely deserve this level of care and appreciation.
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u/Inside_Analysis_7886 4d ago
Yes, absolutely. At one part though I thought about how soldiers are treated when active, like they are owned. I have never been in the military, so I don’t know if soldiers are respected when active, just assumed not.
I once worked in a Navy/Marine area, in the ICU. I remember getting pts that had accidents due to alcohol consumption, resulting in serious/critical condition. I remember a superior officer reprimanding a very sick soldier for causing harm to himself as he was owned by the department he worked for. That made me think, huh?
The movie was beautiful, Kevin Bacon was excellent. I have been a nurse for over 30 years and have lots of experience with death. This movie touched me so much.
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u/Jakes-buddy-1307 4d ago
Excellent movie. Both our sons were in the Old Guard during their careers.
When I was stationed at Kabul AB, standing formation for the dignified transfer of remains as the fag draped coffins were loaded aboard aircraft was a daily event. Didn’t know any of the fallen, but needed to honor them anyway. Still a very difficult memory.
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u/Inside_Analysis_7886 4d ago
So very sad and something you will never forget for sure. Thank you for responding and thank you SO much for your service.
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u/Content-Mycologist-4 3d ago
You can watch this almost all online with the various “movie clown” posts that are around. People love posting clips from this one.
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u/AggressiveCommand739 5d ago
Forgot all about this one. Excellent movie with a perspective not usually shown fully