I decided to watch Saving Private Ryan today.

[Nixie]

18. It wasn't Saving Private Ryan but a documentary I saw that

hit me as hard as you are describing from this movie, so it must have been actual footage.

I haven't seen Saving Private Ryan since it first came out, so I forget the scenes, but this documentary showed the real-life soldiers and the looks on their faces took my breath away. It was soul crushing to see the fear and sadness in their faces as their fate awaited them. The sheer bravery and courage they had to muster deserves every honor that can be bestowed upon them.

We see the Hollywood versions of things, but this footage I saw was just devastating. I agree they have a special place in heaven. A grateful nation will honor them tomorrow.

We have been watching as many military movies and documentaries as we can on this Memorial Day Weekend. Yesterday we went to the Lyon Air Museum in Orange County and saw the bombers there. It's a small place, but rich with the history of the planes there and all the pilots and their sacrifices for this country.

Thanks for posting this thread. I am relating to every word you said and the heavy sentiment behind it.

Here's to all the veterans past, present, and on DU: Thank You for your service.