Mr Pete delves into thought provoking territory with some film recommendations and TIMELY counsel regarding DUTY TO EACH OTHER. Read on! —the editor
GLORY. HONOR. RESPECT…
…these are the Graces we bless each other with.
Whether it is for God, Country, fellow Human Beings, Life Partner —THIS is the mission at task.
It is the essence of our Humanity,
It is the breath of our Existence.
It is the madness that stirs in our Souls.
It is all hopes and desires that burn in Hearts.
AS my parents co-caretaker, my father once confided in me:
“I have lived so long only because God told me to take care of your Mother.”
THAT is LOVE and I UNDERSTOOD.
My Dad lived to be 95. Mom passed two years later at 86.
Dad was a WWII veteran. His mother and sister prayed to Saint Therese for his safety during the war. In a way I owe my existence to them.
This past holiday weekend I was able to watch two movies both traveling along the same path.
Movies matching the path…
One was Michael Caine’s last film before retiring: “The Great Escaper”.
A few days later I watched Pierce Bronson in “The Last Rifleman” on Netflix.
Both of the main characters had a quest, a “call to duty”, to honor their fallen comrades.
With steadfast hearts our passive warriors accepted the challenges of time and place.
There was a D-Day commemoration in Normandy, France. Perhaps to be the last in their lifetime.
Under God’s watch an opportunity… secret escapes from the shadows for the whole world to witness and cheer on.
“THIS WAS THEIR FINAL MISSION,
THIS WAS THEIR LAST SALUTE”.
“The Great Escaper” was coined by the British Police and Media to describe Bernie’s (Michael Caine) adventure as he sneaks out of a senior care facility.
All with the emotional support from his wife (It was supposed to be their own little secret).
Bernie’s wife, Irene (Glenda Jackson) not knowing if he is safe starts suffering the same anxiety she suffered from when he went to war as a young man.
This takes an emotional and physical toll on her.
With Bernie’s return this time he confesses the haunting damage to his soul from the war. He didn’t want to burden her with his pain and she was wise enough not to force him to explain himself.
It is understood between them that his ‘Good Luck’ of surviving the war was just destiny’s blessing for them to be together. Irene makes him promise if he makes any other trips he needs to take her with him.
(Note: there is a sad but beautiful coda at the end of the film before the final credits roll).
You can read more about this movie HERE.
With “The Last Rifleman”, Artie (Pierce Brosnan), after his wife passed away, sought out HIS last duty. He felt the burning desire/haunting curse to commemorate with his fellow WWII surviving warriors.
Along his journey his sad, tired eyes scan the crowds in search of and to recognize a familiar face from his rifle brigade. Once in France he finds out his Unit didn’t book any rooms at the hotel (one that his Unit would stay in during their annual D-Day visits).
A reporter, seeking a ‘feel good’ story finally catches up to Artie. When Artie expresses his confusion about not finding any of the surviving members of his brigade, the reporter unwisely slaps him with the truth.
In researching the story the reporter discovers that Artie IS the last living member of his unit.
Artie has become “THE LAST RIFLEMAN”.
With this realization came a rush of survivor’s remorse. Overwhelmed, Artie the weary traveler faints.
Down, but not out, he survives with the understanding the perimeters of his Mission have changed. Rather than a person to person connection, he must instead visit the cemetery of fellow comrades, acknowledge their sacrifice, ask to be blessed with their forgiveness.
That’s a Wrap!
Drawing this piece to a close… with some ponderables for you.
There is an expression, “There are no strangers, just friends we haven’t met.”
These two warrior gentlemen had ordinary angels / strangers guide them along their way.
Worth repeating…
In LIFE, we must, sometimes unwillingly, depend on the kindness of strangers…
To share our pain, unburden our souls, to make us spiritually complete.
We all have a duty to each other. That is the Creator’s gift to us.
Let us fulfill humanity’s promise and bring light into each and every new day.
So it WAS. So it shall BE. So it REMAINS!
Thanks for reading & listening. —Mr Pete
Bonus Read for You…
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
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