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2009-02-23 -Short Attention Span Theater-

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Posted by Steve White 2009-02-23 09:33|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 Talking jarheads, did anyone else see Taking Chance on Saturday on HBO? If Hollywood made more movies like that I'd return to the theaters.

Posted by Jack is Back!">Jack is Back! 2009-02-23 10:14|| 2009-02-23 10:14|| Front Page Top

#2 It is the best military movie out of Hollywood in a long time. The theme of respect for the fallen brought a mist to my eyes and returned thoughts of forgotten friends.

Semper Fi

Posted by USMC6743 2009-02-23 11:07|| 2009-02-23 11:07|| Front Page Top

#3 That day a cousin of mine was just off shore on the USS Stark supporting the invasion. I sent him an email thanking him for his service.

Posted by Anguper Hupomosing9418 2009-02-23 11:31|| 2009-02-23 11:31|| Front Page Top

#4 Jack -

In response: no...I did not see the HBO film Taking Chance.

I read a review of the film by Dorothy Rabinowitz in the WSJ. I do recall the words she used to describe the film: a masterwork, flawless, eloquent. Rabinowitz highly praised the work of Kevin Bacon in the role of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl.

The HBO program aired between 8-9:30 last Saturday night. While the programed aired I read the journal entry/story written by Lt. Col Michael Strobl (USMC Ret.) upon which the film was based. His story was published in the Chicago Tribune or Sun-Times, I can't recall which (sorry).

Strobl's written account of Taking Chance home is brillant and moving.

Posted by MarkZ 2009-02-23 15:18|| 2009-02-23 15:18|| Front Page Top

#5 As for the raising of the Iwo Jima flag: if you have not done so already, immediately go read "Flags of our Fathers" by James Bradley. Ignore the film by Clint Eastwood - it was too confusing.
The book was written by the son of John Bradley, the Navy Corpsman who was one of the flag raisers. He covers the biography of each of the flag raisers. Of the six, three were killed on Iwo. John Bradley was wounded and evacuated.
In my opinion, the book should be required reading for every high school and college student in America.
Also, if you live in or visit the Washington, DC area, be sure to visit the Marine Corps museum at Quantico. They have both flags from Iwo on display. (The iconic flag raising was actually the second flag raised. The first flag was too small.)

Posted by Rambler in Virginia">Rambler in Virginia 2009-02-23 16:59|| 2009-02-23 16:59|| Front Page Top

#6 I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Bill Faulker USMC last summer. He was mentioned in Flags. He's a very active old gentleman, still working part time as a land surveyor up near Decatur, Illinois. He made his first trip back to Iwo last year and plans to return with another group of veterans again soon.

Posted by Besoeker 2009-02-23 17:49|| 2009-02-23 17:49|| Front Page Top

#7 Remember that references to modern Iwo Jima may be a little confusing in the future:

"A Japanese island that was the scene of one of the fiercest battles of World War II has been renamed to reflect the wishes of its original inhabitants. Iwo Jima has now become the island of Iwo To, as it was known before the war."

Posted by Anonymoose 2009-02-23 18:11|| 2009-02-23 18:11|| Front Page Top

#8 Don't forget the first flag raisers. Anyboy have their names?

Posted by Icerigger">Icerigger 2009-02-23 20:57|| 2009-02-23 20:57|| Front Page Top

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