Act of Valor

I spent some down time today at the movies.  I went to see Act of Valor, which my mother totally guessed I would go see. Let me first say that the acting was sub par and it didn't bother me one bit.  Reason being is that 90% of the "actors" in the movie are real Navy SEALs.  Therefore, the acting isn't great but the action is. You don't feel like you are watching a movie, you feel like you're watching a documentary.  The look, the movement, the sounds, are all amazing.  After it was said and done, the movie turned out to be a very emotional movie.  

Two moments in the movie really caught my attention.  At one point SEAL Team 7 is about to deploy, or go "downrange" as they say.  The narrator of the movie, a real life SEAL, talks about what goes through his mind before he leaves.  The last thing he says is something like...before every SEAL leaves he thinks of his wife and kids.  He thinks about how he could/should be a better husband and father.  When he returns, he will pick up (where he left off) with that thought.  It was a pretty powerful moment for me.  Those brave men have the ability to critique themselves, with the desire to improve themselves, not knowing if they will ever return.  I couldn't help but think to myself, why don't we think that on a nightly basis? Every night when you lay your head down, you should think about how you can be a better husband, father, and man.  You hope and pray that the whole SEAL team makes it home, you know that in real life it often doesn't happen that way.  It is a just movie though, right?  You lose sight of that throughout the movie because internally you never forget that they are real soldiers. Art imitates and intertwines with life. 

The second part that really hit me was at the very end when the narrator reads a letter to a child of one of the SEALs.  It is a powerful letter written by Chief Tecumseh to his son many years ago.  The advice in the letter are as true today as they were then.  I am in awe of the wisdom shown by Tecumseh in this letter, and truly hope to live it out as the days move on.

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and
its purpose in the service  of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, Even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and Bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and For the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, The fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, For abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts
Are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes
They weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again In a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

I am Facebook friends with Marcus Luttrell of "Lone Survivor" fame.  If you have not read the book, please do so.  I don't at all claim to be friends with him, but it is an honor to have that one small connection. I tweeted him today after I saw the movie, "@MarcusLuttrell I just saw  Act of Valor and noticed the names of your brothers (at the start of the credits) from your team.  Thanks, we owe a debt that can never be repaid."  It took all 160 characters, the limit on twitter.  I wished to say more but it never could have been enough.  I don't suspect the movie will win an Academy Award and thats okay, they wouldn't want one anyway.  Just a simple thank you is all they desire.  So if any SEAL, or anyone who has served is reading this...Thanks.