Had to do this in 2014, I thought I was prepared, I was not, but I did it. I have a hard time when I remember going through this, in fact, I was so nervous that I still had my cover on when I did the notification and I was a Major. The young widows reaction is burned in my memory forever. I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, fought two wars with three combat tours, been shot at, scared out of my mind but this was by far the hardest mission I ever had. I am still friends with the family today. May God bless the families with joyful memories of their Marines.

This should be required watching by everyone in America to get a true grasp of what these heroes and families have to endure. My heart breaks for every mother, father, husband ,wife, brother and sisters, friends who have had to bury their own.

I am a Gold Star Widow. I lost my husband who was a Marine in 2004. The minute I saw my husbands CWO3 in the front glass on the front door in his dress blues I knew my husband was dead. I dropped to the floor bawling and screamed that they had the wrong person. I didnt get a CACO at all. I am glad that they are making things like this and I only hope that they make all of the Marines that have to make these calls and inform families to watch this.

Had to do this yesterday for a fallen Marine , Definitely a hard moment. My first time , and it was hard but we are there for the family.

I am a 76 year-old retired Navy Master Chief, and I cried. Our Marines are national treasures...warts and all. God save these incredible men and women. This video...masterfully produced. Well done...well done. Semper Fi.

As a 28 year police officer, l had to do this numerous times. It never gets easier. He was right, you see the light go out of their eyes.

Super realistic...can't believe how far this director went with this. You can tell he really loves his Marines.

I saw my first notification as a military brat playing at a friends house off base. Even at 9 years old I knew what that meant. The next one was a friend’s son and it’s breaks your heart to see the life go out of a Gold Star Mother. Finally I answered my door to my notification and you could have knocked me over with a feather and I can’t tell you a word they said passed regrets. Seven years ago I was severely wounded and told I should get my affairs in order. I tried to die on my way home to the US and my spouse demanded my retirement. I’m just an old beat up soldier but my heart goes out to my brothers and sisters who did serve, are serving, and their families. When I was stationed in DC I went to Arlington every weekend both to pay respects and to remind myself that decisions have names.

On July 2, 1968 I was 18 years old. I answered the door and a major was there. Daddy had passed at 49 and although he had retired the military still sent a survival assistance officer. Many years later and this still means so much. Thank you to all who have knocked on a door. God Bless them all.

The actor for the mother was excellent. Not over the top, but the phases of denial, realization and harsh acceptance were well portrayed.

Heart wrenching. I remember every second 22 years later. R.I.P. Dad. November 6, 1999

I remember the exact moment my father walked into our house in Germany. To tell my mother her oldest son was killed in Vietnam. He was a Col. at the time and they came to his office to tell him. My brother, a young Lt and pilot was shot down. Broke my heart. And I was just 6 years old.

In my entire 17 years in the Corps this was the hardest assignment I ever had. It’s not at all like you see portrayed in movies where you notify the next of kin and your off to do something else. You really get attached to these families as you assist them through this difficult time in their lives. Along with it being the hardest assignment I ever had, it was also the most rewarding in honoring these Marines.

My son is a new Marine, I am an old Soldier. I’ve been Honor Guard at more funerals than I think I can remember…they were all for Veterans who’d gotten to live a full life. Never had to do one for someone young who was KIA. This hits close to home now, God bless all the Gold Star families out there for their sacrifices, as long as I am alive they’ll never be forgotten.

This should be required viewing on Memorial Day all channels start of primetime. In my honest opinion.

I've seen both ends of this. Having lost men in the field, WE banded together, as brothers and supported each other as we grieved for our fallen brother. WE are trained to handle the hardest of situations. On the flip side, these families are 99% unprepared for what the real possibilities are when their loved one deploys. Having served on an I&I staff, it is THE MOST GUT WRENCHING experience you will ever have. The MSgt was correct when he said "You see their face turn gray as if life is leaving them". I think I'd rather have open heart surgery without anesthesia than to have to tell another family, face to face that their son/daughter isn't coming home alive. They are just coming home.

I am a retired US Navy Chaplain. During my time in the Navy I was called upon to make many of these calls. Of the many I’ve made, not one was easy. This training video was exceptionally well done and is well worth the viewing because it captures in a very sensitive and realistic way the agony experienced by the family as well as those who are privileged to provide care for them.

As a retired soldier, I am a volunteer at my local VA Hospital. One of the areas I work in is the Hospice. No veteran dies alone.

U.S Navy 8 year Veteran, TO all Military families who lost someone that served my most Sincere Condolences This happens almost everyday in America of any Military Branch/families 😞😢🇺🇸‼️

After my Father came back from his second combat tour in Vietnam we moved to Waco Texas from California. My Father was assigned to I&I Staff duty at the Navy/Marine Corp Reserve. Part of his duties while there as a newly promoted Gunnery Sergeant, was the notification of next of kin. He told me many years later after he retired from the Marine Corps, that other than being in combat, it was the toughest job he was ever assigned to do. After watching this short drama, I can see better now what he was trying to say. Semper Fi to all those that have worn the uniform of our nation and that have left us to soon. God rest their souls and give their families comfort.

I was the parent who went thru this in 2004 and the child who watched his parents do the same in 1968. The hole burned into your soul never heals. You never get over it; you just sort of get used to it.

Man this was pretty good acting. I shed a tear when the father put on his sons dog tags.

This is masterfully produced and done...it's so real, so authentic that I can't help but weep. God bless those charged with handling such a terrible and delicate burden...

When I served as a combat medic the only thing that really bothered me was the thought of my mom and dad getting this visit I knew it would destroy my mom

Incredible 33 minutes and 44 seconds. God bless our troops and their families 🙏

the lady needs an award for the acting shes a wonderful actor

As a Veteran, I always felt that among the true heros were the cherished family and friends of those at home , waiting for their loved ones ! God Bless Them all " SEMPER FI " !

Don't know the actress's name, but whoever cast her for the role of the Mother, hit the nail on the head. Every expression, body movement and emotion almost made me feel like she had been through one of these before in real life. If you can watch this and not shed a tear, let's hope you never have to live through what that family went through.

Over 20 years in the Marine Corps and almost 12 years being retired and this is still the hardest thing mentally and physically I ever did. Still hurts. You never forget. Never.

To all the mothers and families that lost over there my deepest sympathy they were all heros.

This "skit" depicts what families and loved ones experience every day. It was powerful and moved me, thanks to all of our brave military members and their families for the sacrifices they've made.

I was an undertaker for over 25 years and military funerals were the toughest as far as crossing I.’s and dotting T’s. Sad to say but any funeral home asked to take care of our military is very privileged

Everyone should view the film Taking Chance starring Kevin Bacon. It depicts everything that happens in the mortuary and the heartbreak felt by the family and the community. A heart wrenching movie.

As a funeral director I can also say it’s never about you it’s about the family. It’s a job you do because you love it.

Everyone in this movie deserves an Oscar especially the mother. I have a friend who does this and he says that you get people upon notification as well as at the funeral who spit on you, yell and blame you, and numerous other crazy things.

I could never imagine how hard it is to be on either side of these conversations

Twice as an airman I was part of the rifle squad which fired the 21 gun salute over the graves of fallen servicemen. We spoke with the escort at one funeral. He said he would sooner accept a demotion than to have to go through the notification process again, it was that gut wrenching for him. He was a senior NCO with service in Korea and Vietnam.

I can't imagine how difficult of a job this would be, something you never even really think about.

In the spring of 1967 I was home visiting my parents for the weekend. Standing at the kitchen window I saw an "official" Marine Corp car pull into the driveway in a remote area of Western Maryland. At that time my brother was stationed in "Nam" and like most others I knew what that car meant. Dad wasn't home and Mom was napping - so it was left to me to handle. I tried to be brave - as it turned out the reason for the visit was the parents had changed phone number and brother never changed it on the paperwork. He was badly wounded, losing his left leg from knee down. I later married an Army SGT fresh home from "Nam". Losing him to Agent Orange.

Spc. Wesley Wells, you are not forgotten. You are missed everyday brother!

This in my mind is the most commendable duty, taking care of our own Marines and the Marine moms ,dads, sisters and brothers as we are all part of the corps.

I'm an Army Brat, and I know the initial communications seem to sound cold and distant, but it is the most foundationally important part of the process. I would know, my Dad is in Arlington, and the priority of details is what brings the fluidity and the stability to every Military Family, at this time. 🙏🇺🇸🙏

I remember this like it was today. I had two son's in the military, my oldest was in the Navy and my second son was Army. These men showed up at my job and when I saw the uniforms, I knew which son it was before they even said a word. I didn't have the support these men gave because my son was married and had a child. I really identified with this mother, the emotions are still here after 16 years. It's raw and unforgiven, the drama is real.

I watched this movie when I was active duty and I performed these duty 6 times, I am retired now and still think about the families I assisted in this time.

This is my GREATEST FEAR, my youngest son is in the Military and I've always had this recording if you will, going through my head since he signed up. Thank you to all that have to go through this process to tell the family's.

Speaking as an Army Brat, I was taught, "grace in the hardest of circumstances, is a true declaration of character". When my Mother received the news, her parting words, were "thank you for taking the time to come and tell my Daughter and I. She had me say thank you also. She expressed expressed empathy. She said I know this is your hardest day too".. As an aged out Military brat, if I could do that as a Child, and if my Mother could do that as a minutes old Military Widow, it is possible for every Military next of kin to strive for the extension of grace. It is a Character builder, I promise you. 🙏🇺🇸🙏

I was on an operating SSBN sub & during our “offcrew” status, I had the misfortune of receiving a call from the Squadron regarding loss of one of our brothers at sea. The followup experience was awe inspiring & created a solemn situation which I would never like to perform, Ever? Only then did I realize the danger we all exposed ourselves to each & every patrol & most importantly, the family. The real heroes are the families & I thank God for them as they gave me a reason to come back safely. God bless all our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen & Marines who put everything online for each & every one of us every day & to their families, our gratitude to the families who sacrifice so much for their loved ones! God bless!

This moved me to tears. God bless all our soldiers, both now and in the past. A simple thank you will never be enough from me.

As a former TV News Anchor I had the distinction and honor of visiting Gold Star Families shortly after Notification. Their desire to proudly talk about their loved one was one of the most remarkable events in my long career. As a Veteran myself, I was stricken with grief but drew strength from their willingness to share. I had the distinction of reporting in Baghdad at the site where one of the Army Vets was killed. I gathered her CO and others to recreate events leading to her death. I kept the remarks and video close to my vest until I was able to share personally with her relatives when I got home. My conversation with the family and showing the detailed video was the first time they learned deep details about her death and heard from her fellow soldiers. I vividly recall it as I type this...the events occurred 17 years ago.

Man, I feel so bad for my great great grandparents. They lost 2 of their sons in WWII. I can not begin to imagine that kind of pain

"Pride" is the word that pop's in my head when watching this. Our soldiers are definitely the best of us.

Excellent beautifully done!! I was wounded twice in Vietnam the second time almost killed me! Thank God my parents didn’t have to go thru that experience! Bravo for this presentation!!

While serving on I&I Duty I had the difficult task to perform as a CACO to make a couple of these notifications, I will tell you that it was the hardest duty I ever had, not even my combat tours were that nerve-wracking. In this video when the MSgt says "They know as soon as they see the uniforms at the door" he is absolutely correct. Every family is different, each reaction is different but their initial denial of what is happening is almost exactly word for word as in this video. Everything we do during that duty is for the family of our fallen Marine, we deliver horrible news, but with the utmost respect and dignity and compassion that we can put forth. Even though I have been in this position, I have never seen this video until today, I sat here and cried while watching it thinking about the images from my notification calls. I remember each name, each word, each face, each cry and scream and each fist pounded on my chest by a loved one wanting not to believe it was true. It is heart wrenching and you have to maintain total control and military bearing. 8 short years ago, we were the recipients of that notification, my stepson had been killed in an accident and when the call was made at our house, his mother was exactly in the same frame of mind as this woman in the video. Once again I had to be the stoic one and make sure that I offered up every bit of strength I had to help her through the initial process of her grief. It is still hard every day for her, for both of us, especially knowing that with having three other children, that knock could always come again. You never expect it to happen to you and when it does, you just react as if you were kicked in the gut. Somehow you find the strength to carry on, even when you think there is no reason to. There are silver linings in every dark cloud and gifts in many things we have seen since then. This video was very tastefully done, it is powerful and it shows just what is expected by the Marines performing this duty, their thoughts on what they are doing and what it eventually means to the families of those fallen Marines. Semper Fidelis.

Respect to the fallen. And to all my brothers and sisters that have served and are serving. Always faithful.

@Chris Schulze - This has to be one of the most deeply moving, superbly crafted, emotionally wrenching videos I've ever seen. Thank you so much for posting it. I can't imagine what it must be like for these families...when they see two uniformed military officers approaching the door, most of them know in a heartbeat what has happened, even if they don't act like it at first. Their agony must be excruciating... Thanks again - I hope more people watch this.

I remember having to write a letter for an airman on my flight to his parents. He died from a single car accident after being thrown from the car. The driver a friend had to have psychiatric care to recover from the loss. I was a Sergeant at the time and also had to notify his best friend. It was not easy to tell him his friend was gone and why. I would say it was the most difficult assignment of my military career. We all cried, we loved him very much, he was a part of us. Our final salute was as the aircraft leaving our base broke ground at take off. We his Security Police Flight were outside for guard mount with all of our weapons. Our flight chief called the formation to attention, and then present arms which is a salute while under arms. There was not a dry eye from anyone, we broke down crying, including our Squadron commander who was with us. The flight we were relieving volunteered to stay on longer so we could grieve and compose ourselves before taking our posts. In this video, the Mom calls the Marines killers, she apologized realizing those of us that served have our personal sides. We have a brother/sisterhood that few understand. I was tearing up watching this well done video!!! it took me back to 1979 when Stephen Collins left us!! It still bothers me today March of 2021!!! The job is never easy as you see. I am thankful for every man and woman that has served our wonderful nation and gave everything!!! To their families, from this veteran, Thank You for sharing your son or daughter with us, it was an Honor to serve with them. God Bless!!!

I was a combat medic in RVN 70-71.I always felt so sorry for not only the K.I.A. GI but for all those family's God test their souls.

I still remember being in Helmand Province, Afghanistan like it was yesterday. I was patrolling and the truck in front of me (my best friend was in that truck), it got blown up by an IED. Till this day I tell myself was there something I could’ve done to avoid that from happening? Why it couldn’t been my truck? Why didn’t I got blown up? This video hit home in so many ways.

I remember the day of my 1st cousin Johnny Serrano Lance Corporal of the Marine Corps. He was killed in a hospital that was bomb. His casket was viewed by all, his face and head was swollen. Couldn't believe it was him, his mother was committed to a psychoactive ward and died there. His father John blame himself for pushing his son out. Was a recipient of a triple heart surgery and never fully recovered. Died a broken man for what he did to his son. I remember Johnny as a friend and he was larger than life. Everyone who knew him, love to be with him. He was that type of a human being that care. He died in 1969, to this day as a 70 year old man. I will always remember him as my Brother and want to thank for the outstanding job that the United States Marine Corps for what they did. I am eternally grateful for their services.

I just happened to see this on my phone tonight. This should be required in every school in our country. Like we should still have The pledge of allegiance. My heart breaks for the families and for the people who announce their passing. Bless all of you. God bless America!

I know it's just a short clip... But I see how wonderful the Staff Sargent is with the family.. He created a bond and will always be a part of their life ❤ I hope this truly happens..

The cast of this film was outstanding.

I did this in peace time as a Special Forces SFC at Ft. Bragg N.C. it was very tough to do. No war but service members were still giving their lives for their country. Training can be deadly too.

As a mother of a Marine and an Airman this scares me more than anything I could ever imagine. We are all a family and feel the pain of loss together with those who have experienced it firsthand. Beautiful, important video to show the reality of this trauma.

Man. Bless every one of our branches. First responders. Everyone. But these guys. Their mission is above and beyond. Huge salute to all the men and women that have this heartbreaking duty.

This is heartbreaking. A job I wouldn’t want at all. Great acting 🙌🏾💔💔💔

Wow !!! That was spot on !!!!! Everything was just like they do it!!! The acting was to perfection on everyone's part !!! It's a tough and sad job, but somebody has to do it . Thank you to all past and present military for your service. 🛐🛐🛐🛐🛐

This made me cry. I remember that the last day I saw my dad alive was the day after my wedding. He died under mysterious circumstances in his company plane. My mom was notified over the phone by the Indiana State police and she could only hand the phone over to our accountant for our family business. My grandmother didn't want me to view his body on the last night before his burial but I did anyway. All I could remember was the laugh lines by his eyes. The did a great job with his forehead injury, one hand covered the injured one and his leg injury wasn't visible. It also reminded me of taking my daughter in to see a dear friend's son as she was beginning to do EMS locally. I explained what the drawing on the call sheet compared to what she saw on his head and body. Being an RN I was able to stand it better but I wouldn't let his mom.or sister see him . His head was wrapped in a Chux pad. Saddest part was he was run off the road as he rode his powered bike home from listening to a band play. He was different, an IdioSavant who knew everything about music from the 50's on up. The 3 who did it were waiting for him on purpose. They weren't crimally charged but his mom and sister got a small Civil settlement. It was just before Christmas and I haven't been able to.put a Christmas tree since. He used to bring us a big box of chocolates every Christmas. I've seen people and Veterans die before they should have and it's always hard.

You are never the same. It's a moment that you were not expecting. Your heart goes to the Parents and family's that have too or have been through it.

Love and hugs to all who do or has done or will do this incredibly difficult job.

As a father that both my son's served in the Marines both in Iraq. The old 1 tour, my youngest 2 tours in Iraq, 3 tours in Afghanistan. I'm blessed that both my son's came home safely, I can see where, Eric's fiance deserves a US flag. For all those that served I thank you, and God bless you all.

This old Army vet wept watching this. Thanks for the posting.

This was beautifully done!! It helped me understand it and I’m prior military and had the opportunity to serve on the March AFB USAF Honor Guard (Funerals) in the 80s. Our Mortuary Affairs Division handled this important component. I agree with the other commenters: Every USAmerican should be required to watch this. Maybe it could be linked to Voter Registration, obtaining government ID/Drivers Licenses etc. These experiences must be understood by every American.

As a young Lieutenant stationed in the Detroit area (late 60’s after the riots), I was the “Survivors Assistance Officer” for 3 servicemen that were killed. I had to make one notification as the serviceman was first reported missing. This film barely touches on our responsibilities, the impact on us and how the family reacted. This film brought back a lot of memories. We received no training as to our responsibilities: I believe all we had was a couple of pages of info. Most of what we had to do and how to do it we found out from other Lieutenants that had already done this The one thing I remember most about each of the 3. (1) I had to make the death notification (2) The soldier, who had been in Nam only 3 weeks, had a very pregnant Wife (3) The soldiers parents were divorced and it was a hostile divorce (the Mother had a gun to protect herself from the Husband). I ended up being the intermediacy/negotiator between the two with regards to everything

Thank you for making this, people should see beyond the families crying

This is so well done, I felt so bad, it seemed to be real and not acted. It really did. I realize this is what must happen much too often. There are no credits for the performers, but they are so good. This film should be required viewing for all the world.

Fortunately, I was never called for notification duty, just a few burial details. Presented the flag to the family member once. That was tough. Fair winds and following seas to all.

Skit (noun) 1. a short literary piece of a humorous or satirical character. 2. a short theatrical sketch or act, usually comical. 3. a gibe or taunt. Thanks for the video, got the title wrong though.

having to make death notifications is one of the hardest things to do. They are all different and yet the same. Watching this skit. brought back memories I still wish I could forget.

Respect from India 🇮🇳 May all the brave hearts rest in peace. It really left me with a heavy heart, I'm still. I don't know what I want to do now. May God give courage to all the ya families of brave hearts.

In my 20 years in the Marine Corps I am thankful that I didn't have to put my loved ones through this. One part of my duty while on Recruiting Duty in Buffalo New York June 1980 - June 1983 I assisted the local I&I staff with internment of Marines that was bad enough to bury a brother let alone face a family like this. Rest in Peace Marines and Semper Fi

I find the USMC way of doing things to be quite an eye-opener, but as a British Royal Marine I’ve served alongside them on more deployments than I care to think about. Despite being an officer I was on the frontlines and I found that seeing my men being injured or occasionally killed was harder than the actual fight. I’ll never forget the first time I had to write a letter to the family/dependents and I still don’t understand why I found it so difficult - being in combat would have preferable, but that would be a huge disservice to one of my men. Sadly he would not be the last but as my career was from 1978-2008, possibly the busiest the Corps has been for a long time, it meant having to write letters about a friend and colleague. I would like to think that those things are now in the past, but PTSD (with a side order of terminal cancer) and the drugs involved, especially whiskey, allow the unpleasant part of memories to flood back, but I have a very understanding wife (doctor) and she spots the signs of the arrival of “the black dog” and she does it so well that I’ve lived longer than expected. Anyway, here’s a big shout out of “Semper Fi” to all the great mates I met and befriended during each deployment. I try to keep in touch with as many of them as I can but I’m saddened by the numbers that couldn’t reintegrate back into society. Once you’ve looked into those really dark places and done so too often there’s little chance of living a normal life ever again. So it’s unsurprising that so many of them have taken matters into their own hands (not sure if that’s the VA failing the veterans, or the prevalence of guns?) but it’s something I understand, even to the point of wanting to do the same (but the UK has a really idiotic approach to gun ownership, especially sidearms, in any form). Sorry for blathering on for so long but this video really hit home - it seems that Marines from both sides of the pond have very similar issues and problems. Stay safe mates and if you feel the need to talk just send a message. I’ll help with whatever I can whilst I’m upright!

My uncle upon his return from Vietnam was assigned to what they called then " Death Detail" which was informing next of kin of those KIA. He proclaimed he'd rather still been in Nam than doing that detail.

Wow! May they all RIP. This is one of the best enactments I have seen. Excellent video. We owe them so much - willing to give up their lives to keep us and others free. We will always be grateful for their service.

I remember when my mom passed and I was assigned a AO. She was a Retired MSgt in the Air Force, I didn't think we would be assigned one since she was Retired. They were very helpful in arranging for full burial honors for my mom. She told me before she died that she always dreaded the possibility of this happening while I was deployed. Now I have a daughter serving in the U.S. SpaceForce it's real.

Thank you for taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines. Semper Fi!

One of the tough parts of the notification team’s duties these days is the internet and satellite/cell communication service members have from forward locations, It is now necessary to shut off all internet communications to prevent deployed personnel from making calls home about a KIA. Personnel would call the deceased their family members or the family members of the deceased to express the condolences before a notification team could be assembled and sent out. Service members would call home or email to immediately to tell their families or call the deceased SM’s family to express condolences . Usually in the Army’s method of doing things, a chaplain would go with the team to provide aid and comfort. By the time the team arrived, families would be in distress from this word of mouth notifications. This turned out to be cruel to the deceased’s family and hard on the notification teams.

I can’t imagine. I have the utmost respect for all who do this notification. God bless and watch over each and everyone of you. Thank you for your service above and beyond in my opinion.

Thank you soldiers and sailors for giving everything bless your family and friends for their sacrifice. Semper Fi

As a veteran this makes me hurt because overseas we see our buddies leave and we never see them again. It's nice to know the families at least get this help. You are expected to keep marching forward. This is why we have so many vets with issues when we get home we get no closure or understanding when we lose our brothers and sisters in combat. It leaves a hole in your heart that can never be fixed. I am thankful that a few guys I served with are putting reunions together so that we can keep the memories of our brothers alive and heal together.

Tears flowing most the time. My brother was killed while checking the gun on his ship 1977 -after he spends years in Vietnam 🇻🇳 The pain was hard,and this reminded me of my mother who was also divorced and had to see my dad in Washington…both grieved and it was a very hard time for us siblings as well.😢🇺🇸

I served in AF Mortuary Affairs out of Dover 2005 to 2009, and then in Germany til 2011. This is fairly accurate for all services. I saw so many who passed through there and did Family Notifications, and all aspects of Mortuary Affairs to include investigations. I have no emotions anymore. I still see the faces of all who I serviced. I can not say any more

I had a friend during viet nam. He worked in a recruiting office as senior officer. Lieutenant. Closest marine base was 400 miles away. He did four notifications in one week. He said they were very very hard but number three was the worst. The wife was pregnant and had two very young children when he showed up.

Watch We Were Soldiers Once” about how notifications were handled in the first major engagement in Vietnam and how General Hall Moores wife handled this problem. Also, the HBO movie “Taking Chance” is a excellent representation of the transfer of remains home.

I remember the day my son left for boot camp at Parris Island. It was the day that I finally had to acknowledge that my little boy had become a man, but the way he hugged me goodbye that day, told me that he had not forgotten all of the beautiful times and the hard ones as well, that had shaped the good person that I knew him to be. Now, someone else would put the man he had become to test. I fought back the tears and forced myself to let go of him. It’s amazing how many feelings can be expressed through a simple hug. I knew he loved me and he knew I loved him. “I’ll be alright, mama. Don’t worry,” he said. We had discussed that boot camp wouldn’t be easy and that the harshness of the Drill Sergeants was necessary and that there was a reason behind everything. He may not have known what awaited him, but he had prepared himself mentally for whatever may come and I knew that no matter what they asked of him or how harshly he may be treated, he would not take it personally. In fact, he fully expected them to try to break him. He expected to be treated like a soldier. When the door closed behind him, I watched through the window as he got into the car with his recruiter. Crying the whole time, I watched until they drove out of sight. I was so proud of my son. However, all of his friends and even some members of our immediate family treated him very poorly when they learned he had joined the Marines. For months and months we had listened to the news from Afghanistan and they just couldn’t understand why he would join knowing that we were caught up in a seemingly never ending war. They told him he was crazy for joining. They told me he was crazy for joining, but I was ready for them. No, my son was not crazy. My son was not foolish. My son knew what war meant. He knew the dangers and no one made him join. He joined out of love for his country and his people. If everyone decided to leave the battles to everyone else, then there would be no America. Furthermore, my son knew that his freedom, our freedom only existed thanks to the bravery of those who had fought and died for it down through ages and he knew that thousands upon thousands of his fellow countrymen had voluntarily left all they loved behind to avenge the lives lost on 911 and to show the wicked bullies that Americans were a people that would never roll over for anyone. I am so proud of all of our people who risk their lives everyday so that I can go about my days free and rest at night without fear. I owe them all a debt that I can never repay. My son came home to me. I think I cried more when I hugged him upon his return than I did when he left that first time. Our Lord had returned him safely and I was thankful. However, there are many who don’t have a joyous reunion and for the loved ones of those courageous souls, I wish I had more than words to express my deepest sympathies. I often hear the parents or the spouse of a fallen loved one say that their loved one died for a cause they believed in and they tell of how they had formed bonds with their fellow soldiers and even considered them brothers. They are so strong in the midst of tremendous loss. I don’t know if I have that kind of strength in me. I often think of those who have served and who currently serve. They are always in my prayers. Nothing I write here can prove how much I appreciate each and everyone who has risked their life or who is currently risking their lives so that I can be free and there are no words in any language that will express how sorry I am for those who did not return safely. Thank you to each and everyone. May God bless you all of your days.

As a British veteran of 33 years, regular army, army reserve, RAF and RAF reserve, this has to be one of the greatest training videos I have ever seen, absolutely superb. Unfortunately, the word SKIT in the Queens English, in the UK, means a short comedy sketch or piece of humorous writing or a parody. Not a good choice of a word for a very very serious piece of video.

I'm a Paramedic. I worked in 911 for almost 10yrs. In that time, I told 27 families that their loved ones are dead. I remember every. Single. One.

Have seen the movie TAKING CHANCE and have been sad for his family but so proud of the way he was taken home to his family.

Who else cried watching this skit 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽🙏🏾🙏🏾

I have folded so many US Flags during funeral details back in 2004. I've been out of the Military since . It's been 17yrs. are we are still folding the Flags from the same War.