Joan on the Road...of Life

My heart is still pounding a little faster after watching our Friday night movie. We try to alternate who picks the movie. Tonight was Jim's choice..."We Were Soldiers" starring Mel Gibson, Sam Elliot and Madeline Stowe. It's the true story of a three day battle, 1965, Vietnam. Lt. Col. Hal Moore led the 1st Division of the Seventh Cavalry into battle...a bloody, and according to Moore, a realistic view of what happened. The U.S won thhis tragic battle.

We started the movie as we started our steak dinner. Not exactly the right thing to do. I had to turn my head at some of the scenes. I like Mel Gibson's acting and I think he did a heck of a job portraying Moore. It's a very intense, emotional and unnerving movie...one that we won't watch again for a few years.

There's a haunting song played over a few scenes where the battle is raging but you can't hear the gunfire. You hear this haunting song of Sgt McKenzie. From what I gather it is sung by the composer, Joseph McKenzie, who wrote it in honor of his grandfather who died at the hand of the Germans in WWII. Many veterans ask that this be played at their funerals. It sends chills down my spine.

Now it's 10 PM and I need my Sleepytime tea to relax and unwind, thankful for all those who have laid their life on the line for our freedom.