Original subtitles

♪♪♪

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] "It is humanity hanging from a cross

of iron." said President Eisenhower in his address to

the American Society of Newspaper Editors.

Local soldier Lietenant Howard Morganstine is returning from

the front lines after being critically injured in a grenade

attack on the Korean Peninsula.

♪♪♪

[typewriter clacking]

[typewriter carriage return]

[typewriter clacking continues]

[suspensful music]

[heartbeat]

[gun shot]

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] Mrs. Claudia Morganstine passed away

at her home early Friday morning. She is survived by

her husband Howard and daughters Milly and Katherine.

Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the

Austin-Bell Funeral Home with a wake immediately following at

the home of the deceased.

You poor dears.

And a pretty little thing too.

[whispering] Such a tragedy.

[whispering] They'll never recover.

[whispering] History has a way of repeating itself.

♪♪♪

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] Local debutante Milly Morganstine to

wed Gerald Goodman at high noon today at the First Baptist

Church. The couple has planned a small but elegant church

wedding followed by an intimate reception for close family and

friends at the Morganstine home on Main Street.

[grooving music]

[camera shutter]

Thanks. Congratulations!

[Gerald] Thank you.

[GUY WITH CAMERA] Smile for the camera!

[MILLY] Hey, Kate, come here.

Kate, I want you to meet my cousin Peter.

Peter just moved here. He'll be a junior like you.

Hi.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

[ PETER] Good to meet you too.

[Music beat]

So what do you think about Barry Goldwater wanting to nuke

Vietnam?

Anything to end this everlasting war.

Can't we talk about something else? It's a wedding for crying

out loud.

We're staying at the honeymoon cottage at the Tradewind Motor

Lodge.

Sounds so dreamy.

It is.

Don't forget, Gerald, you promised to stop by and fix the

television.

Surely the tv can wait til after we get back?

No, it's no big deal. We'll just swing by and then be on our way.

Don't worry, mother. We'll get you fixed up.

We're just living with her until we can afford a place of

our own.

I don't see why that tv is such an emergency.

Well, you know how she is with her soaps.

Oh, thank you.

I sure hope they know what they're doing.

Oh, my Milly... she's strong.

So is that mother in law of hers!

Is that your dad?

I heard he's a war hero.

So you and Gerald are cousins?

I'm gonna be a war hero too.

I'm enlisting the moment I graduate from high school.

I hate war.

[MILLY] Gather around girls.

[stationary bike squeaking]

[GERALD] Found it. Just a loose connection.

Oh Charles! I love you.

[organ music]

Now can we go on our honeymoon?

That Peter seems like a nice young man.

He wants to be a soldier.

Aint nothing wrong with being a soldier. Your dad was a right

fine one.

Soldier or not, I ain't the least bit interested.

Baby girl, you don't know what you want.

Night, daddy.

Night? It's still daylight.

[KATE] I'm not feeling well.

[HOWARD] Alright. Love you.

[KATE] Love you too.

Maybe I should backpack across the country.

Is that what you wanna do?

Maybe.

You think you'll ever wanna settle down?

Nope.

They're needing more soldiers, you know.

Haven't you gotten that out of your system?

I'm not talking a career, but just a tour.

Peter Baxter, if you enlist, I'm never speaking to you again.

You don't mean that.

Try me.

C'mon, I'm not doing anything just yet.

♪♪♪

Okay.

You win. I'll go to college first.

That's perfect! Then the war will be over by the time you

get out!

Good night, Kate.

♪♪♪

[GRADUATION SPEAKER] We live in an uncertain world.

Your classmates a few years ago were concerned with going to

college, getting jobs, getting married.

But you, Class of '65... you're different.

You young men are wondering when you'll be called to serve

your country...whether you'll be send to the front.

What will it be like to engage in battle?

And you young ladies are afraid that your sweethearts will be

sent away. And if they leave, they won't return. And if they

do return, will things ever be the same?

A quarter of a century ago, I was sitting right where you are

today. Fearful of the future, convinced that life as I knew

it would never be the same if I went away to war.

I was right. Once war enters your life, you're never the

same.

Decades later, memories linger, and the effects of war remain.

Yes, I've seen the devastation that war can bring. But I've

got good news for you.

Devastation can lead to revelation. When you think that

you are going to break, but you don't. When you've been beat

down so low that there's no where else to look but up.

It's during those times that God can give you a strength that you

didn't know that you had.

A strength that will not only see you through the bitter

times, but it will make the future joys that much sweeter.

So to you, Class of '65, I challenge you to hasten in to

that unknown future with that strength... wisdom... and an

understanding that God is always bigger than whatever you

may fear. May God bless you.

Congratulations, Katherine.

It's Kate, Aunt Thalia. Not Katherine.

I should be filming this. I'm getting my camera.

So proud of you, sis.

Ew.

You look lovely. Isn't she, daddy?

Yes, beautiful.

I'm outta here. Bye.

Kate, you can't run around barefoot.

You know I never interfere in your affairs.

And I appreciate that. She's just running from love and when

it finally catches up with her she'll be fine.

Do you think I've invested my time into you to have nothing?

[KATE] Peter's still talking about enlisting.

Still?

Ouch.

Sorry. What about college?

Apparently going to college has only made it worse.

Said he feels like he's wasting his time.

Still thinks he's going to be some kind of war hero. Like

anyone cares.

We're praying Gerald doesn't get drafted, but I dunno.

He can't work at the factory forever, but no one will hire

him until he's done his service

I appreciate you doing this for me.

None of my old clothes seem to fit anymore. I'm afraid...

Really? What does Gerald think?

He doesn't know...

and I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor. It should be

any day now.

At this rate we're going to be living with Joanna the rest of

our lives.

Maybe not.

[phone ringing]

I got it!

[phone ringing]

Hello.

[JOANNA] Is it for me?

No.

Yes, this is she.

Yes.

Thank you.

Are you?

Who called?

[baby crying]

I bet it was Gerald. She never lets me talk to him.

I'll go call him and see what he needed.

[accordian music]

It was nice of your mother to babysit.

See. She's not all bad.

Well...

Gerald, I...

There's something...

You first.

You first.

Go ahead.

You know I've been searching for a better job for a long time

now.

Yes.

No one will hire me until I'm finished with my service.

So I decided to enlist this morning.

Okay.

You know I hate to do this to you, and Tommy...

And mother will be home to...

What was it you were gonna tell me?

[mumbles]

I'm Pregnant.

[accordian music]

I didn't think you'd be so upset.

All I'm saying is one would expect a decision like this to

be mutual agreement, Something we talked about together.

I do declare, Mama Sooze, you make the best biscuits in town.

Lemme have one of those.

Thank you.

I remember the day I enlisted.

Not now, daddy.

Must he always sit in your lap at the table instead of in his

chair?

It's not like I really had a choice.

You could've held out til you turned 26.

Honey, that's another year and a half.

[KATE] What's your mother say?

I haven't told her yet.

Some fine son you are!

That's enough, Thalia.

Did you tell them?

[KATE] Tell us what?

We're serving together on the USS Forrestal.

♪♪♪

What about college?

I can always go back.

What about me?

What about you?

You know how I feel.

And you know how I feel.

I'm sorry, it's something I have to do.

Sorry about Peter.

Leastwise he'll be on a carrier. They say that's the safest

place to be in war.

He could be in the jungles for all I care.

Did you know the USS Forrestal is the first super carrier of

its kind? If she were stood on end she'd reach the 80th floor

of the Empire State Building.

Don't throw it away. I'll darn it.

And why did they say that? It's not like anyone ever stands a

ship on end.

Well... still, sitting in the water, she's as tall as a 25

story building. She's the Navy's crowning glory... pride and joy.

She's unstoppable.

Sounds like the Titanic.

It's just gonna be one tour. I'll be back before you know it.

What if you're not? Have you thought about that?

Well let's not think about it.

It's easy for you to say.

You're off cruising the world on your super carrier and I'm stuck

here with your mother.

[JOANNA] Gerald? Can you help m get the bags out of the car?

Coming.

♪♪♪

What time you shippin' out tomorrow?

Eight. Same as Gerald.

I'd better go spend time with my family.

Will you write me?

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] A local soldier was killed today when...

I'd better get going.

Take care.

♪Oooooo. My lonely heart, goodbye♪

Alright. Give me a smile, Tommy.

Alright, if we're gonna have that silly thing, let's get

some of you.

Alright.

Alright, I'll swap you. Come here, big guy.

It's that little button right on the front.

Ok.

Can you salute like daddy?

And smile. Right here.

[loud train whistle]

Are we not happy?

[KATE] Here, let me get some of you two.

[MILLY] Ok.

Oh good, thanks, Kate.

What is it?

It's not too late. We can burn the papers, you know.

I wasn't drafted, mother. I enlisted.

Well then we can plead insanity because it runs in the family.

Like I told Milly, I'll be back before you know it.

[TRAIN ANNOUNCER] Now boarding east bound train.

That's my train.

♪Taking our soldiers off to war♪

♪Vietnam, Vietnam

I love you.

♪What are they really dying for♪

I love you too, little one.

♪Vietnam

I'll make it back.

My baby. Precious baby.

♪Taking our young men far away

♪Vietnam... Vietnam.

♪Why are we fighting anyway

♪Vietnam

♪Land of regret. Land of no hope Land of no reason, Vietnam♪

[train whistle]

I want you to read this every night. The Navy can be a rough

place.

[KATE] Wait! Don't forget this.

Thanks, Kate.

It doesn't mean you have to start cussing, gambling, and

smoking.

God sees you, even in Vietnam.

Grand Mere.

Proud of you, son.

Thank you.

[PROTESTERS] End the war! End the war! End the war!

Bye, Peter.

[TV click]

[organ music]

Oh, Richard. How will I survive without you?

[stationary bike turning]

You must be strong.

Strong... how can I be strong? When my whole world's falling

apart?

[plastic clanking]

Gerald gave this to me.

He obviously didn't put much thought into it. It's plastic.

[slap]

You know Charles means nothing to me.

Yes I do, and a shame too. He's not a bad guy.

Why do boys always have to be so frustrating?

Don't suppose they're always frustrating.

You have a boyfriend?

Not yet. But I pray everyday that God would send me someone

special.

I think I'd find something else to pray for.

Dear Jesus... It's me... Ruby Mae.

I'm worried about Miss Kate.

Can you watch over her? Miss Milly too, while you're at it.

And of course their young men off fightin'.

And, dear Jesus,

if it ain't too much trouble I sure would like a man of my own.

[whistling]

Um... I don't require much. Don't have to sweep me off my

feet or nothing. Just a good man to love. And who will love

me.

[whistling]

I know. I know. All in your timing.

I love you. Amen.

[whistling]

[scream]

What happened?

Are you hurt?

[grunting]

Wait here.

I can't believe you filled your sock with ice.

I'm Reggie, the new church janitor.

Ruby Mae - the clutz.

So uh... you come around here much?

Every chance I get.

I'm a maid.

The swellings going down.

Oh wait, wait, wait, wait. Put your weight on me.

It's better.

How bout we get you home?

That'd be nice.

If I'm not back when the timer goes off, could you check the

cookies? They're for Gerald.

I guess.

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] 27 more American lives lost as the US

continues with Operation Junction City, the largest US

military offensive of the Vietnam War so...

[oven timer]

[garbage disposal]

Those were for Gerald.

They weren't fit for my Gerald. They're not even the kind that

he likes.

No, I'll bake him some this afternoon.

What's the cow say?

I've tried to get along with her. Lord knows, I have.

There is no pleasing her.

I don't know how Gerald has gotten along with her all these

years. But not me.

We are going to go stay with Aunt Kate and Grandpa. What do

ya think of that?

Well land sakes, what have we here? Miss Thalia? Miss Kate?

I knew you wouldn't last long with that woman. She is the

devil herself.

[MILLY] This is going to be fun Being roommates with Kate again.

Where is Kate?

No tellin'. She don't spend much time around here nowadays.

Wonder where she's hanging out..

♪♪♪

[KATE] Did I miss something?

[MILLY] Sorry about that. We get to be roomies again.

[KATE] Okay...

Won't this be fun? Be just like old times.

[KATE] Uh huh...

Oh, it's Mr. MacDougal. I need to let him know to forward my

mail.

♪♪♪

♪I am a poor, wayfarin' stranger♪

♪Travelin' through, this world of woe♪

♪And there's no sadness, toil, nor danger♪

♪In that bright world, to which I go♪

♪I'm going there, to see my father♪

♪I'm going there, no more to roam♪

♪I'm just going over Jordan♪

♪I'm just going over home♪

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will inherit the earth.

Are you a peacemaker?

I'm against war.

Peace is the only war worth waging.

I'm Celeste. This is Cool Breeze and that's Storm on drums.

I'm Kate.

Welcome.

♪♪♪

Tell your mama, thanks for those pies she brought over yesterday.

She's here, she had nursery duty this morning.

Hey there.

Hey.

I, uh, came in late. Had to mop up a spill.

I was hoping to sit with you today.

That would've been nice.

Uh, you headed home?

Mmhmm.

Mind if I walk ya home?

Okay.

You, uh, going to decoration day next week?

Mmhmm.

You don't talk much, do you?

What do ya want to talk about?

Miss Milly! I declare, you take for most packages.

Course, I remember my days on the battleline and my little

lady send me goodies.

Feelin' lower than a caterpillar and then I'd get one of her

packages. She made the best peanut butter tea cakes. They'd

plum melt in your mouth. All the fellows would...

But I expect you're more interested in a package of your

own than hearing about my tea cakes.

Thank you.

War is mighty lonely. Whatever front you're on.

I'm sorry, what did you say?

Don't you fret your pretty little head about it, Mrs.

Goodman. You just go right on, read those sweet nothings from

your man.

♪♪♪

♪Rollin' down the road like a seed that's been sowed♪

♪With a big boatload of destruction♪

♪Well, beware young man by your Old Uncle Sam♪

♪Sends you down to Vietnam by induction.♪

♪In a foxhole all alone Engraving your tombstone♪

♪Just waitin' like a rollin' stone♪

Righteous jam, man.

♪♪♪

[VAN] Ladies.

Hey.

Hey, I'm Van. Van the Man.

Are you new to this scene?

Not really.

Right on.

Righteous song.

Groovy.

I'm sorry, I never caught your name.

Kate.

Kate, that's a beautiful name.

I should probably get going.

Yeah, yeah.

Do you need a lift?

Sure.

Right on.

So, tell me about yourself, Kate.

[KATE] Not much to tell.

[VAN] Oh yeah?

So you protesting tomorrow?

Protesting?

Oh, man, it's gonna be a gas.

Why not?

"Why not?" I dig that.

Well, I gotta split. So I'll pick you up tomorrow.

Sure.

Right on.

See ya.

See ya.

Who was that?

A friend.

Hey, you got a letter from Peter there on the table.

♪♪♪

♪Rollin' down the road like a seed that is sowed♪

♪In a big boatload of destruction♪

♪Well beware young man when your old Uncle Sam♪

♪Sends you to Vietnam by induction♪

♪Open up those pearly gates♪ Don't you be late♪

♪You'll be fired from your sons and your daughters♪

♪In a foxhole alone engraving your tombstone♪

♪Just waiting like a rollin' stone♪

A guy honks and you go running?

Welcome to the swinging sixities!

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] The latest Gallup poll of US

students revealed their stance on the Vietnam War.

when some 49% identified themselves as hawks

35% identified as doves.

[VAN] Let's ride.

As soon as you finish that you can have the rest of the day

off for the holiday.

Yes, ma'am.

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] American Forces intercepted north

Vietnamese units moving in from Cambodia.

Early reports are casualties...

[THALIA] Howard. It's time to go.

Okay.

[shouting] Milly, you ready?

[MILLY] Coming!

[electric guitar]

[HIPPIE GIRL] Take your pick.

[electric guitar]

Everybody gather 'round. Okay, fat cats. Cool your chops.

Ya'll know the routine.

Now we here to take care of business.

And when Johnny Law shows up? We got to split. Ya'll dig me?

Let's roll, let's roll.

[HIPPIE GIRL] Let's go, guys.

Freedom, everybody, freedom. This is how it all begins.

[electric guitar]

♪And all success be nobelness and every gain divine♪

On this Memorial Day 1967 we pay tribute to the brave men and

women who have served and continue to serve in their fight

for freedom.

We owe them a debt far greater than anything we could ever

repay.

Across the world, our young soldiers are fighting, suffering

and, yes, dying, so that other young men and women are

free to pursue their own opportunties.

No one likes war. But we must have those who will

accept war in order to end the war.

To those who sacrifice their own personal happiness

for the happiness of others. Who offer up their own lives

in order to save other lives.

we offer our humblest of thanks. Let us pray.

Our Father, we come to you today thanking you for your

ultimate sacrifice and undeservd love.

For your wisdom and direction, for your steadfast faithfulness,

for your rays of hope in the darkest of days,

we give you thanks. Amen.

[anti-war chants]

[police whistle]

[chaotic noise]

[THALIA] [shouting] Katherine Louise Morganstine!

Howard, that girl has embarassed the entire family.

She's young.

She's old enough to know better

Just give her time. She'll be fine.

Well... I hope you know what you're doing.

C'mon Tommy. It's time for your nap.

You okay, daddy?

Yeah.

She's just scared.

I know.

♪Well there's a long, long wait at the pearly gates.♪

♪Got stripes on his sleeves while his family grieves.♪

♪Try to see if Uncle Sam to the serviceman♪

♪Understand it very well, it's a living hell♪

♪Big flim flam, down in Vietnam

♪Lot more to come, when they drops a big bomb♪

[many voices humming Amazing Grace]

Hey, beautiful.

The way you holdin' them flowers make you look like a bride.

[western music]

The thing I like about westerns...

you know exactly who the good guys are and who the bad guys

are. But war, honey, is not quio black and white.

Daddy...

[HOWARD] Katie... I know you'll find your way.

[tropical music]

[phone ringing]

[THALIA] Milly. Telephone.

[groans]

[THALIA] [shouting] Milly!

[Thalia] [shouting] Milly, it's Gerald!

Everything okay?

Morning, babe. Did I wake you?

Where are you?

[GERALD] Virigin Islands.

[DRUNKEN SAILOR] Hey, baby.

[cat call]

[DRUNKEN SAILOR] What you doin'?

[cat call]

[GERALD] Hey, do you mind? Real quick.

[DRUNKEN SAILORS] Yeah, man, don't flip your lid.

Hey, sorry about that.

You doing okay?

[GERALD] Can't complain. Hey, do you remember Harvey Krudel from

[GERALD] school? He was a couple years ahead of us. He's

in the rack across from me.

What about Peter?

Um, I don't get to see him much He's, uh, in another shift.

[SAILOR] Hey, man, are you gonna be done with that soon?

Hey, I'd better go.

I miss you.

[GERALD] I miss you too.

Bye.

[GERALD] Bye.

♪♪♪

What do you think of the movie?

It was okay.

I enjoyed the company.

I prayed for someone like you.

Me too.

I've been think about the future. You, me...

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] American forces intercepted north

Vietnamese units moving in from Cambodia.

[REGGIE] ...And Uncle Sam.

I know we haven't known each other long.

But I feel like I've known you all my life.

Me too.

I got my notice.

Draft?

I ship out in two weeks.

Would you think I was crazy...

...if I asked you to marry me?

It was my Grammy's.

I know it's not much.

But I'd be honored, if'n you'd wear it.

You just made me the happiest man alive.

[PREACHER] Marriage is a sacred institution.

Not to be entered into lightly.

It's a commitment between two imperfect people longing for a

perfect love.

Reginald, do you take Ruby Mae to be your wedded wife?

I do.

[PREACHER] Ruby Mae, do you take Reginald to be your wedding

husband, to have, and to hold, from this day forward?

I do.

For better, for worse. For rich for poorer.

In sickness, and in health.

[RUBY MAE] But I pray everyday that God would send me someone

special.

[PREACHER] To love, and to cherish.

[PREACHER] I now pronounce you husband, and wife.

You may kiss your bride.

[door closes]

Whatchu doin' out here?

You're not going out with that hippie fellow again, are you?

He's not so bad.

He's no Peter.

He hates war as much as I do.

How long are you gonna keep running?

As long as it takes.

You're not...mom.

Maybe not. But who's to say I wouldn't make the same choice?

[car horn]

Who's to say you wouldn't?

♪♪♪

[VAN] That's disgusting, man.

♪♪♪

What?

[VAN] Them!

[VAN] [shouting] They all act like they're a bunch of heros

or something.

But they're all just a bunch of babykillers.

[VAN] You know?

♪♪♪

Babykillers?

Yeah. [shouting] It's not even a real war!

Just America picking on the Vietnamese, killing their

children.

I'm about to go show them just how I feel. Right now. C'mon.

You make me sick.

[spits]

[KATE] Van!

[KATE] What are you doing?

[VAN] You comin'?

I'm so sorry.

[SOLDIER] It's not the first time. Won't be the last.

[KATE] I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

♪♪♪

It don't seem right that we got to be separated and we just

found each other.

I know.

But whatever happens, we'll always have this time together.

C'mon. It's getting chilly.

Don't go!

It's gonna be an early morning catchin' the bus before daybrea.

♪♪♪

[thunder]

[rain]

So, have you heard from Gerald?

Not since he crossed the equater.

Oh.

What?

It's nothing.

Marvin just told me about the whole crossing the equater

tradition. Sounds rough, but...

Um, Clyde Pitman is back. At Veteran's Hospital.

He lost his arm. The left one.

What's it like being a candy striper?

You interested?

Maybe.

[phone rings]

Where is everyone? It's not like it's for me.

Okay, Mommy will be right back.

[phone rings]

[MILLY] I'll be right back.

Hello.

[GERALD] Hey there, beautiful.

Gerald?

{GERALD] You have other men calling you beautiful?

It's so good to hear your voice! How are you doing?

Better now.

[MILLY] Where are you?

The Philippines.

Last leg of the journey, then it's to Yankee Station, off the

coast of 'Nam.

You doin' okay?

[MILLY] You there?

We lost Harvey Krudel.

[MILLY] How?

Got swept over the side. Went overboard.

Um, good news, though. I got assigned to the engine room

[GERALD] so no risk of that for me.

I'm deep within the bowels of the ship.

I want you to know...

...whatever happens, don't lose your faith.

I'm where I'm supposed to be, doing what I'm supposed to

be doing. Some of the younger guys, they're...

Well...

Just don't lose your faith.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Give Tommy my love.

Bye.

[MILLY] Bye.

That Gerald?

[KATE] How's he doin'?

You really doing this?

[MILLY] Good for you.

[thunder and rain]

How was it?

Not much different than taking care of daddy.

Except, most of these guys are young. Some of them younger than

me. But it felt good to help.

Who's winning?

[laughing]

No one, right now.

[doorbell]

Excuse me, I was told that I could find a Mrs. Reginald Owens

here?

[RUBY MAE] I'm Mrs. Owens.

Here, ma'am. I'm sorry.

Aren't you gonna open it?

We regret to inform you that your husband Reginald Owens has

been listed as missing in action following a helicopter crash.

'Scuse me. Tell your aunt I had to go.

♪♪♪

Worrying about Gerald?

Every minute of the day and night.

It's like there's a hole in my heart and every day it gets a

little bigger.

Sometimes I just wonder if one day I'll wake up and it will

have taken over my heart and they'll be nothing left but this

big gaping hole.

[MILLY] And then what happens?

♪♪♪

You think that's what happened to mom?

I don't know.

I used to think mom killed herself because she couldn't

handle seeing daddy hurt. Now I don't know.

Daddy says war makes you look at things differently.

[MILLY] That it does.

Ready for your baby shower?

Yes.

We could use some fun.

C'mon.

Let's go see if there's any of Mama Souze's pecan pie left.

♪♪♪

[THALIA] Goodness, Nancy, you did a good job!

♪♪♪

[MILLY] Thank you, Nancy. It's beautiful.

[JOANNA] It's from me.

It's Gerald's Baby Book. I thought you would like it.

Thank you, Joanna...I do.

♪♪♪

I can't believe, in another month, Baby Goodman makes his,

or her, appearance.

Oh, it's going to be a girl. I can tell from how you're

carrying.

Well, she has been craving sweets lately, so you might just

be right!

[MAMA SOUZE] Anybody need any more food?

Oh, your poor dad. Being stuck with a gaggle of girls in the

house.

I'll go check on him.

Daddy? You hungry?

[tv news reporter]

[KATE] Daddy?

[KATE] [worried] Daddy? Daddy, what's wrong?

[KATE] [shouting] Milly? Milly, something's wrong with Daddy!

[KATE] Daddy, look at me.

♪♪♪

[MILLY] Daddy, are you okay? Daddy, what's wrong? Daddy?

Milly, it's the Forestall.

[JOANNA] No. No. This can't be happening.

It's all your fault. If you had been a better wife, Gerald would

have never enlisted.

He's my baby. He's my precious baby!

[KATE] She didn't mean it.

It's a big ship. At least you said he was in the engine room.

He should be safe there.

[LINDA] I hope Peter's okay.

[LINDA] Kate...

[church bells]

The Lord is my shepard. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie

down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters.

[PREACHER] He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths

of righteousness. For his name sake.

[PASTOR] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow

of death. I will fear no evil.. Thou art with me.

Thy rod and they staff - they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

[PASTOR] Thou annointest my head with oil.

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.

All the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the

Lord forever. Let the church say "Amen".

[ALL] Amen!

[PREACHER] Let the church say "Amen" again.

[PREACHER] Hallelujah.

[clapping]

Amen.

[RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER] 27 more American lives lost...

[MILLY] Any news?

[HOWARD] No, honey.

[KATE] Aunt Thalia? Where are those letters from Peter?

[THALIA] Right where I left them on that table.

They're not here.

[THALIA] Of course they're here.

[KATE] They're not here.

[THALIA] Goodness!

[THALIA] Have either of you seen Kate's letters from Peter?

[MILLY] They're in our room on that table by the dresser.

[solemn music]

Why didn't I read these before?

Sometimes you just don't appreciate what you have until..

well...

I think he was gonna ask me to marry him.

What?

Several times before he left he kept hinting... but I...

You're not mom. And whatever happens you need to remember

that.

You too.

You need something?

No, that's alright.

Whatchu doin'?

Writin' to Reggie.

But... how are...?

Why if he's, um...

Missing in action?

I may not know where he is, but God does. He'll get the letter

to him, one way or another.

How do you do it?

Do what?

Keep the faith.

Faith... is the confidence of things hoped for.

[MILLY] And if Reggie dies?

Then I have the assurance of things not seen.

[MILLY] Are you spending all your time at that hospital?

Ran into Peter's grandma this morning. They haven't heard

anything either.

[MILLY] Mother was so beautiful.

[MILLY] I don't recall her ever crying. Do you?

[KATE] No, but, I was little.

[MILLY] I asked Daddy. He said she yelled and screamed but he

doesn't remember her ever crying either.

[KATE] What does that mean?

I think I'm beginning to understand how she felt.

[KATE] You wouldn't...?

No.

[doorbell]

Mrs. Gerald Goodman?

Yes?

I'm Mrs. Chapman, from the Red Cross. Your husband has been

badly burned. He's been transferred to the USS Repose

with the other injured soldier

Is he going to be okay?

[Mrs. Chapman] We have no way of knowing, at this point.

But he was well enough to jot down a quick message, to let you

know he's still alive. You should receive word from him,

personally, in the next week or so.

[MILLY] He's alive.

[MR. MACDOUGAL] Mornin' Ma'am.

Mornin' Mr. MacDougal.

I hear about your young man.

He's alive. He's injured, but alive.

He's gonna be just fine. I know it.

Was there anything from Ruby Mae's Reggie?

No, ma'am. Hopefully he's alive too.

Oh! Look at this one! I hope it's a girl.

Me too! A boy's gonna look awful silly in that thing.

Wonder why you haven't heard anything yet?

I just... I have this...

But it's silly. The lady said he'd be okay.

But I... [doorbell]

Guess I'll get it.

Mrs. Goodman?

Milly? Milly!

Mrs. Gerald Goodman?

It is with deepest regret that I must inform you that your

husband Gerald Francis Goodman has died from injuries in the

line of duty.

But he was aline. The lady said he was alive.

His burn wounds were too severe. They got an infection.

I'm sorry.

Here's his personal effects.

[solemn music]

Can I get you something?

You gonna be okay?

You?

Helps to keep busy.

[GRADUATION SPEAKER] When you've been beat down so low that

there's nowhere else to look but up.

[GRADUATION SPEAKER] It's during those times that God can

give you a strength that you didn't know that you had.

A strength that will not only see you through the bitter times

but it will make the future joys...that much sweeter.

♪♪♪

[trumpet plays "Taps"]

[CHAPLAIN] We live in a fallen world.

A world where young men who should be at home with their

families are called a world away to fight for the families of

foreigners. Gerald Francis Goodman knew the risks.

He accepted the danger in order to serve his country in its

time of great need. He entered a young man with his whole life.

All his hopes and dreams ahead of him.

And he leaves behind a wife, a son and another little one on

the way. Forced to live the rest of their lives without him.

With only their faith to help them through.

Faith is so easy, when life is going great.

You know, those times where it seems like every prayer is

answered with a resounding "yes". But faith is not so easy

when life takes cruel turns, rips our lives apart, causes us

to live a life we never envisioned. But it's in those

times of struggle, when we have nowhere else to turn, that we

turn up, look up, and see the face of God. Gerald didn't die

in vain. And he leaves behind a legacy of love. For all who knew

him, and treasured him. And that love... has changed all of

us forever. May that love comfort us... in the days ahead.

♪♪♪