7th Heaven (1996–2007): Season 6, Episode 20 - The Known Soldier - full transcript
Annie discovers Ruthie is writing to a Marine fighting in Afghanistan as part of a school project. The Camden family read what Ruthie has written to her pen pal about their lives and in turn learn about a Marine who so bravely has left his wife and son to fight in the war against terror. When Ruthie fails to get a response email at school and Eric hears about a helicopter going down killing two people he contacts the Colonel.
School picture.
Who's lucky enough to get
a school picture of you?
Oh. I've been writing
to a marine,
a real one
in Afghanistan.
Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
And he's very important.
He delivers supplies
by helicopter.
But I really can't tell you
that much more about his work,
because it's all
very top secret.
Really?
He told you
that his work is top secret?
No, I just figured it was
because he didn't tell me
that much about it.
I see.
Since when do you have a pen pal
who's a marine?
Since I changed schools.
It's a class project,
a volunteer project.
It's to let all the men and
women who serve the armed forces
know how much
they're appreciated.
We can't send real mail,
so we have to send e-mail.
That's a safe way to do it.
What do you write about?
Oh, different things.
Sometimes just funny stuff
that happens around here.
You know, give him a laugh.
Funny family stories?
Yeah, I've got plenty of 'em.
You can't just write
about serious stuff.
He gets enough of that
being in the marines.
Oh!
You scared me.
What were you doing sneaking up
behind me like that?
I wasn't sneaking.
I just dropped Matt and
Sarah off at the airport.
They're on their
way to New York
to check out Columbia
as well as an apartment.
Why are you staring
at the stairs?
Did you know that Ruthie
is writing
to a marine in Afghanistan?
No. I didn't even know she
had a friend old enough
to be in the marines.
I was joking.
What is it, a
school project?
Yes. She's writing about
her family, our family.
Funny stories about
our wacky family.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
I'm happy that Ruthie
wants to show her support for
our men and women in uniform,
but I just don't know
if she should be telling
our "funny" family stories
to strangers.
Why? Do you think there'll be
gossip in Afghanistan about us?
Okay, Mr. Smarty-Pants.
Why can't we just
ask our daughter
if we can read her letters
so we can see what
she's writing?
Because she has the privilege
of privacy in our home,
and we don't read her mail
coming or going
unless she asks us to.
Well, then get her to ask us to.
Fine, then I'll get her
to ask us to read her mail.
Hey, did you know that Ruthie's
writing to a marine?
Oh, yeah, the, uh,
helicopter mechanic.
He's married.
And he's, like, 24, so I don't
think she has a crush on him
or anything,
if that's what you're thinking.
I don't think she has a crush
on him.
I just want to know
what she's writing to him.
And I want to know
how you always know everything
she's doing before we know
everything she's doing.
I guess she trusts me.
More than she trusts us?
Well, you're her parents.
That was my point.
Why isn't Mom making dinner?
I don't know.
Oh. Maybe it has something to do
with that guy in the marines
that Ruthie's writing to.
What guy?
Um... I've said
too much already.
I wonder what she's
writing to him about.
Us?
Well, what do you think
she's writing about us?
I don't know.
What do you think
she's writing about us?
Well, I don't know,
but whatever it is,
it probably isn't good, because
good is not that interesting.
It is to me.
Well, yeah, but you're not
halfway around the world
looking for something
entertaining to read.
What's going on?
Ruthie is writing
to some guy.
Some guy in the marines.
What's wrong with that?
Did you know
she was writing to him?
No.
And do you know why?
No.
Because she doesn't
want to tell us
what she's writing
about us.
Or-- and here's a sane thought
perhaps the two of you
can hold onto with both hands--
maybe Ruthie
didn't share her letters
because she didn't think
we'd be interested.
Oh, yeah, that's
a sane thought.
"I didn't tell anyone in my
family I'm writing to you,
"but I asked everyone what
they're grateful for in America
"as a way to remind you
of just some of the things
you're fighting for."
Are you reading your letter
to that marine?
Yes, and it's wonderful.
Oh. Good.
Wonderful.
Why don't you
start over Ruthie?
Yeah.
"Dear Sergeant Morgan.
"Remember me?
"In case you don't,
my name is Ruthie,
"and I am one of seven children
in the Camden family.
"I didn't tell anyone in my
family I'm writing to you,
"but I asked everyone what
they're grateful for in America
"as a way to remind you
of just some of the things
you're fighting for."
You can each read
the part about yourself.
"My dad is a
Protestant minister,
"and he says that he's grateful
for the freedom of religion
"that we have
in this country.
"And that freedom of religion
is the reason that people
"risk their lives to be here
in the first place.
"To protect that freedom,
"he encourages everyone
to practice whatever religion
"they choose, but to choose one
and practice it.
"My dad helps a lot of people,
"men and women of any race
or religion.
He's there for anyone in need."
"My mother chooses
to work at home.
"What she is most grateful for
is the freedom of education.
"She says it is important for
everyone to have an education
"to make sure that
we all stay free.
"She says uneducated people
believe what they are told.
"Educated people question
what they are told.
"Questioning authority is good,
she says,
"because questioning keeps
the power of authority in check.
"And to ask the right questions
or to know when and how to ask,
"you have to have an education.
"My mom is a good person.
"She takes good care of us
and mostly she just loves us,
even when we do
something crazy."
"Matt, my oldest brother,
is getting married to Sarah
"who is a rabbi's daughter.
"He and Sarah are going
to medical school next year.
"They told me that in America
we have the best medical care
"in the world, and they are
very grateful for the training
"and education available
to them.
"By the way, I think my brother
is not just going to be
"the best doctor in the world,
he is going to be a true healer,
because he really cares
about people."
"Mary, my oldest sister,
is 20.
"She's training to be
an airline attendant.
"And even though some people
are afraid to fly, she isn't.
"She's grateful that we can
travel freely in this country.
"Lots of people
take that for granted,
"but it's a privilege
that would disappear
"if people like Mary
were too scared to do
what is no longer
an everyday kind of job."
Wow.
"Lucy is 19.
"She's following in
my father's footsteps,
"and she's grateful that women
can do that in this country...
"follow in their
father's footsteps.
"Lucy is smart,
and she's beautiful and funny
"and has a heart of gold.
"I imagine that God is proud
to have her on his team
because she is so full of life."
"My brother, Simon,
is turning 16.
"He's grateful to live
in a country
"where there are so many
great cars,
"and he's grateful
that 16-year-olds
"are allowed to drive,
which means we're all grateful
"to have safe cars and airbags
and speed limits
"and other regulations and laws
that protect us
"when 16-year-olds
are driving.
"Tell you the truth,
I'm grateful
"Simon drives really safe,
because I wouldn't want anything
to happen to him."
"And there's one more
guy living with us
"that I didn't count
"when I said there are
seven Camden children.
"That's Robbie.
"He's 20.
"We used to introduce him
as Mary's old boyfriend,
"but we almost never
mention that now,
"because it seems like
he's always been with us.
"He told me he's grateful
he's now part of our family
"because he learned that you
don't have to be blood related
"to be a family.
"Sometimes circumstances
create a family
"that you love
just as much as your own.
"He says that was America is.
"All kinds of people
brought together
by different circumstances."
"So, that's everyone
but Sam and David.
"They're the twins.
"They're three,
"and even though they can't say
what they're grateful for,
"it's probably that they
were born in this country.
"That way they don't have
to sneak over a border
"or stand in line
for years at the INS.
"That's all for now,
and I will ask my dad
"and all my family
to pray for you
"and for all the other
men and women
in our armed forces,
and your families."
That's it, except for,
"Your friend, Ruthie Camden."
So? Are you going
to pray or what?
Sure. Yeah.
How about now?
His name is Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
Father...
we pray for Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan
and for the safety
of all the men and women
in our armed forces
who risk their lives
so that we in America
might live free.
And we pray that you return
each and every one of them
safely to their families.
We pray, too,
that you comfort the families
and friends
of the men and women
who have lost their lives
in the war against terror.
We pray for the victims
of September 11 and their...
and their families
and friends.
Comfort all, heal all...
and bring peace to all
men and women of goodwill,
in this nation and...
and all over the world.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
You don't think
Sergeant Morgan could get killed
delivering supplies, do you?
Why do you ask?
Because when our class
checked our e-mails today,
I didn't hear back from him.
It's Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
I don't know if I can get
any information tonight,
but I'll get on it
first thing in the morning.
There's no reason to believe
that anything's wrong.
It's just a...
a feeling in my gut
when Ruthie said
she didn't get an e-mail.
Eric, are you prepared
to break the news to Ruthie
if something is wrong?
No. I hadn't even
thought about it.
I'm gonna think good thoughts.
We've got over 5,000 troops
in Afghanistan,
and the casualty lists
are miraculously low
considering what
we've achieved so far,
and the task
that's been taken on.
You have any more information?
Uh, yeah, Sergeant Morgan
is with the
Marine Aircraft Group 16,
part of the 3rd Marine
Aircraft Wing.
MAG-16, 3rd MAW. Mm-hmm.
Okay, his squadron is HMH-361
of the Marine Corps Air Station
at Miramar, California.
Well, then he's part
of the Flying Tigers.
The Flying Tigers have
over a 50-year history.
They were deployed
in the Cuban Missile Crisis,
the Vietnam War.
First-rate outfit,
Flying Tigers.
Uh... now, does he have
a family?
I believe he does.
Mm-hmm.
So, how did he wind up
in Afghanistan?
He had just gotten back
last September
and he wasn't supposed
to go anywhere for a while,
but on September 11,
the world changed.
That's what Dwight said.
He got his orders to go
to Afghanistan in November,
and he didn't want to leave
his family so soon,
but that's just part
of being a marine.
They go where they're needed.
He left the day
before Theresa's birthday
and the day after
the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Dwight and Theresa
had a great time.
Then they had to say good-bye.
It was sad,
but sad good-byes
are just part of being
a marine, too.
Hey, the marines
are tough.
They can take it.
And their families
are really brave.
They have to be.
So what's with the boom
box and the video camera?
What are you doing
with that stuff?
Oh, they're loaners.
Everyone in class
is making a short film,
something entertaining
that can be sent
over the computer
to the troops.
I'm going to sing,
"I Won't Back Down."
Tom Petty.
Do you think the soldiers
will like that?
Yes.
But they're not soldiers,
they're marines.
Okay, what's a soldier?
A soldier's in the army,
and sailors are in the navy,
and the air force
has... airmen, I think.
So what else do you
and Dwight write about?
Stuff. Movies.
Before he went to Afghanistan,
he was stationed at Miramar.
That's where TOPGUN
used to be,
when it was a
naval air station.
Now it's in Nevada.
Anyway, that's his
favorite movie, Top Gun,
and on TV he likes
The Simpsons
and King of the Hill.
And he doesn't like pickles,
onions, tomatoes or mushrooms.
What does he eat?
Anything without pickles,
onions, tomatoes
or mushrooms.
Well, he must
have a favorite.
Theresa's enchiladas.
He thinks about them
every day he's gone,
and that's the first meal
he wants when he gets home.
You know, I think that's
what I'd miss the most
if I were in the military--
home-cooked food.
And fast food.
And junk food.
And my bed. I think
I'd miss my bed.
And your earrings.
I still can't believe
there are American troops
in Afghanistan.
I still can't believe why
there are American troops
in Afghanistan.
I think the whole country's
still in a state of shock.
Yeah, the shock
may be wearing off.
Just this afternoon
I had a guy
with four American flags
on his car
cut me off in traffic
and then gave me the finger.
Remember how patriotic
we all were last fall?
I don't know if, in going
about our business as usual,
we've forgotten
what happened,
but I don't think
we've dealt with it.
The only people that seem
to be dealing with it
are the people
who are in uniform
who have to deal with it,
and their friends
and their families,
as well as the friends
and the families
of the rescue workers
and victims.
And New Yorkers. They
have to deal with it.
You can't possibly
be in that city
and see that the skyline
has been permanently changed
and not be permanently changed.
Don't forget about
the people in Washington, DC.
There's a hole in the Pentagon.
That had to have
changed everyone
who works
and lives there, too.
But the rest of us
don't have that daily reminder.
You know, it's easier
for the rest of us to forget.
I agree, and people
are already forgetting
that everyone
on board Flight 93
sacrificed their lives
to keep the terrorists
from hitting another target.
I think it's important
that we remember
what's going on in the world
so that we can try to make
the world a better place.
And I don't mean make the world
a place just like America.
I mean make the world
a better place.
And how do we do that?
Because I'll tell you one thing,
I don't want to go to war.
I mean, I will if I have to,
but I don't want to.
I don't want to go either.
I don't think anyone does.
Thank God
there are men out there
like the marine
Ruthie's writing to,
and there are also women,
who are willing
to go to war, too.
The rest of us are lucky.
Very, very lucky.
And if no one was willing
to go to war,
would we have peace?
I used to think that,
that if no one
was willing to go to war,
there'd be no war...
but I think planes crashing
into the World Trade Center
changed that for me.
Yeah, I feel the same way.
And, although I think
that it's up to every
single individual
to become at peace
with themselves
so that there might be peace
in the world,
I'm betting that we're
a long, long way
from achieving world peace
through inner peace.
But you have to agree
that it's gonna take
something more than violence
to build a lasting
world peace.
We, and that's we,
the people of the planet,
have to fight hunger
and poverty and disease
and ignorance and destruction
of the environment.
I do agree.
But until we make significant
progress on those fronts,
someone's gonna have
to go out there
and put their life on the line,
and those someones
are the ones who are willing
to be disturbed,
inconvenienced and shot at.
Have you heard from your father?
No, and that's
not good.
I mean, he promised
he'd call this morning
and he didn't and he hasn't,
and now I'm worried.
Well, I haven't
turned the TV on.
I don't want to
see any news.
No.
There was a helicopter crash
south of Kabul.
Well, did they say
there were any casualties?
Two.
Did they give any names?
No, they're notifying
families first.
If something happened
to Sergeant Morgan,
I don't know how
Ruthie's going to take it.
Well, we don't know
if it's Sergeant Morgan,
and we shouldn't
jump to conclusions.
But even if it's not him,
even if it's not the person
we've come to know
in the past 24 hours,
these two men are marines,
and each man is someone's son.
Maybe even someone's husband,
someone's father.
I'm so excited.
Uh, did Sergeant Morgan
e-mail you?
No, better.
I got an actual letter.
I've been waiting for it.
It has pictures and everything.
This is Sergeant Morgan
on his wedding day,
and that's Theresa.
Oh...
And this is the two of them
at the Marine Corps Ball.
And this is his son, Alex.
Oh...
And this is the whole family.
Hmm.
And look... he sent me a pin.
It's a flag.
He told me to wear it
and think of him.
What's going on?
I got real mail
from Sergeant Morgan,
and it's a lot better
than e-mail.
You can hold it.
Have a look.
Hey. I've been calling to you
ever since I got off the bus.
Didn't you hear me?
No, I didn't
hear you.
There was a helicopter crash
in Afghanistan
today.
The names aren't
being released yet.
Oh, that's really sad.
Was anyone killed?
Um, I'm not sure.
I'm just glad to know that
Sergeant Morgan's all right.
Do you want to see pictures
of his family?
Nothing. What?
Those pictures are
lovely, Ruthie.
Yeah.
Thank you
for showing us.
No problem.
You can look at them anytime.
Was Sergeant Morgan
on the helicopter that crashed?
We don't know.
I'm afraid I have some bad news.
Grandpa!
What are you doing here?
I'm so happy to see you.
I came here...
'cause I've got some bad
news about your friend.
Sergeant Dwight. J. Morgan was
killed day before yesterday
in a helicopter crash.
A staff sergeant
was killed as well--
Walter F. Cohee III.
But five more marines
were rescued.
That can't be--
I-I just got a letter.
I thought he just...
I didn't think he could...
How did it happen?
They were flying
in a helicopter
called a CH-53E
Super Stallion.
It was one of two
on a resupplying mission
to US forces.
They had just taken off from
their air base north of Kabul,
when Sergeant Morgan's
helicopter went down,
and it was over snow-covered,
mountainous terrain,
about 40 miles south
of the air base.
Well, the site was
secured quickly,
and the medical personnel
got there quickly,
and the men were
evacuated quickly.
But Sergeant Morgan
didn't make it.
And I didn't want you to
hear it on the news, hon.
I wanted to come and tell
you myself, face-to-face.
Well, who's gonna tell
Sergeant Morgan's wife?
Who's gonna tell Theresa?
And who's gonna explain it
to their son, Alex?
Alex is only five years old!
That little boy's probably never
even heard of Afghanistan.
No, probably not.
But I'm pretty sure he has heard
of the United States of America.
That's the country
his father died for.
The United States
of America,
and he died...
in an effort
to keep freedom alive
for his son and his wife
and all his family
and... for all
of the sons and daughters
and mothers and fathers
in this country.
He died for me,
and he died for you.
But I didn't want him to die.
He was a marine.
He died with honor.
I want to be with her.
We will be.
Just give him a chance.
He's old and he's tired
and he hates flying,
and he just flew all the
way across the country
to do the right thing.
Yeah.
He was a marine.
He was a casualty assistance
officer for years.
Ah, he wants to do it;
let him do it.
But shouldn't we be there?
I would have
thought so, Annie,
but he seemed...
very clear about how he
wanted to tell her, so...
I came down
to ask you a favor.
Could you please hold
a memorial service
for my friend,
Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan?
Actually, it's Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
He's going to get
the promotion posthumously.
I guess the Colonel told you
that he died.
His helicopter crashed.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry, too.
Do the others know?
No, we were waiting
till you finished
talking with the Colonel.
I'll tell them now if you're
ready for them to know.
I think I should tell them.
Dwight was my friend, you know.
If that's what you want.
I think I owe it to him
to be brave.
He was brave, you know.
We know.
We'll hold the
memorial service
tomorrow night.
Well, your father
did a good job.
I love my father.
So do I.
Please stand and join me
in singing our national anthem
led by my friend, CeCe Winans.
♪& O say, can you see ♪&
♪& By the dawn's early light ♪&
♪& What so proudly we hail'd ♪&
♪& At the twilight's
last gleaming? ♪&
♪& Whose broad stripes
and bright stars ♪&
♪& Thro' the perilous fight ♪&
♪& O'er the ramparts
we watch'd ♪&
♪& Were so gallantly streaming? ♪&
♪& And the rocket's red glare ♪&
♪& The bombs bursting in air ♪&
♪& Gave proof thro' the night ♪&
♪& That our flag
was still there ♪&
♪& O say, does that
star-spangled ♪&
♪& Banner yet wave ♪&
♪& O'er the land of the free ♪&
♪& And the home ♪&
♪& Of the brave. ♪&
Let us pray.
Dear God,
thank you for the privilege
of knowing
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
Please let tonight be a comfort
to his friends and family
and an honor to him
and all the other men and women
in our armed forces,
as well as the veterans
of our armed forces
and those who died
for our country.
Amen.
Amen.
Please be seated.
This service is in honor
of a young marine,
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan,
who died in a helicopter crash
in Afghanistan
trying to deliver supplies
to American troops.
Killed with him
was Staff Sergeant
Walter F. Cohee III.
We know Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan
only from his e-mails
and letters
that were sent to Ruthie
and shared with our family.
Dwight quickly became
very real to us
as we heard
the details of his life.
The details made him
a human being to us
instead of just a name
or a statistic
that was announced
over the news.
Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan's
wife's name is Theresa,
and he was
madly in love with her.
They met at Willets High School
in the 11th grade,
and they were married
shortly after graduation.
Their son's name is Alex--
he's five.
And Dwight was very...
very proud of Alex.
He was also looking forward
to the arrival
of his and Theresa's
second child in July,
a little girl.
Dwight loved his family,
and he missed them very much.
He especially missed
Theresa's enchiladas,
his favorite food
in the entire world--
and Dwight
had traveled the world.
We also heard from Ruthie
that Dwight didn't like pickles,
onions, tomatoes and mushrooms.
He loved fast food,
especially French fries,
which he always ate
before he touched the burger.
His favorite movie was Top Gun.
And he was stationed
at Miramar in California,
which was, of course,
the TOPGUN base.
Dwight loved all kinds of music
and he paid a lot of attention
to the sound system in his car.
I understand he even received
some local recognition
for the system he had
installed in his Ford Escort.
And one of the songs that he
loved to blast over his speakers
was his and Theresa's song,
Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing."
And even though Ruthie
got quite a giggle from that,
I think we can all agree
that it's a very good song
for many reasons.
Dwight was a good man.
A very smart man.
A skilled mechanic.
He loved kids.
And he loved to hang out
with his friend
Sergeant Jesse Phipps
and his family
and barbecue in the backyard.
And Dwight loved
his brother, Chip.
Chip is 18.
Chip wants to be a marine.
And Dwight cared very much
about his parents as well,
and his stepbrother, Justin,
and for his stepsister,
Nickie, as well.
Dwight had just come back from
a tour of duty last September.
He was looking forward to having
time with Theresa and Alex,
but he got orders to go
to Afghanistan in November.
He was sad to go,
but also proud.
He was proud to be a marine.
He was proud
to serve his country.
And that is what I can tell you
about Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan,
24, of Willets, California.
He died with honor,
because he was an honorable man.
A good husband, a good father.
A good marine.
At our house,
and now in our community,
he is the known soldier,
and we're proud to know him.
So in his honor, I challenge
each and every one of you
to go out tomorrow
and do something
that would make this man
proud of you.
Do something for your kid
or your wife or your family.
Do something for your friends.
Do something
for your community...
or for our country.
But do something in honor
of Marine Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
♪& God bless America ♪&
♪& Land that I love. ♪&
♪& Stand beside her, and
guide her ♪&
♪& through the night with a light
from above. ♪&
♪& From the mountains, to the
prairies ♪&
♪& to the oceans, white
with foam ♪&
♪& God bless America ♪&
♪& My home, sweet home ♪&
♪& God bless America ♪&
♪& My home, sweet home. ♪&
Where you off
to so early?
Oh we're spending
the day with Mrs. Bink.
What did they do?
They're not
being punished.
They're just learning
to take care of older people
in the community.
Mrs. Bink would love to see
them, and she's getting older.
It's hard for her to cook,
so we're going to go over
and make her lunch
and hang out for a while.
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan
would be very proud.
I hope so.
I wanted to do something bigger,
something universal,
world changing,
but this is what
I can do today,
so, this is what I'm going
to do today in his honor.
What are you going to do?
I have something planned.
I don't know. I... I feel
if I tell someone
and they say,
"Oh, Simon, that's so nice,"
then it doesn't really count
because I...
I feel like I'm getting
kind of a reward.
Well, it still does count,
but that's very sweet.
I'll see you later.
We'll be back around 2:00,
then I'm going to make
enchiladas for dinner.
Dwight's favorite.
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
Oh, thanks.
Let me do that.
Come here, guys.
Come on. Come on.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Would you like
to come inside?
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no,
I was just looking.
Well, I've got another
year of college.
I mean, maybe
I'll think about it.
But in the meantime,
I thought I'd just drop off
some breakfast for you.
It's just, uh,
an egg thing and some fries.
I'm doing it in honor of
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
I thought I saw you
at the service last night.
I work at this day-care center
during the week,
I'm the sports director
for the guys,
they're like 5 years old,
but they would love to meet
a real marine.
If you'd ever like to stop by?
Sure. I'd be happy to.
Just tell me where and when.
Well, great. I will.
Thanks, Dwight.
I'm giving out flags.
Would you like a few
new ones for your truck?
Well, how much?
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
you don't have to pay me.
I'm just, uh,
handing them out for free.
It's in honor of someone.
In honor of the marine, right?
Well, thank you,
Staff Sergeant Morgan!
I'm-I'm a veteran myself.
Good for you.
Thanks for serving.
I don't think anybody's
ever said that to me before.
Thank you.
Hey!
I'm sorry I cut you off
in traffic the other day!
No problem.
I'd like to get
a money order please.
Who would you like
that made out to?
The Flying Tigers Memorial Fund.
Is this in memory of
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan?
You're my third one
this morning.
My brother is over there.
In Afghanistan.
He's a marine, too.
Tell him how much we appreciate
his service, will you?
I certainly will.
Thank you.
Hi. I have a deposit...
It was nice of the florist
to donate all this, but...
I don't think
we have enough flowers.
You don't think this was just
one of my wacky plans, do you?
I called people.
I got help.
More flowers are
on the way.
Actually, I did think this
was one of your wacky plans,
so I called a few people, too.
What people?
People.
Do I know your people?
Well, do I know your people?
I called Matt.
From your room?
From work.
Who did you call?
Sarah.
Oh, so they're coming?
They'll be here.
This makes me
feel very sad.
Yeah, there's a high price
for freedom
and very little gratitude
for the sacrifice.
Thank you, Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
♪& ♪&
Hi, Frank.
Reverend.
Where are your shoes?
Someone stole them
from the shelter.
Well, why don't I walk you
over to the shelter
and see if they can
replace them for you?
I-I can't.
I'm waiting for someone.
Who are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for Jesus.
Jesus rides this bus.
Sometimes he gets
off at this stop.
Thank you, Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
I'm sending this song out to you
in memory of
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
And I hope that all of you
Marine's know that you are loved
and that we appreciate
everything you're doing for us.
♪& and I won't back down ♪&
♪& well I know what's right ♪&
♪& and I got just one life ♪&
♪& in a world that keeps on
pushing me around ♪&
♪& but I'll stand my ground ♪&
♪& and I won't back down ♪&
Who's lucky enough to get
a school picture of you?
Oh. I've been writing
to a marine,
a real one
in Afghanistan.
Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
And he's very important.
He delivers supplies
by helicopter.
But I really can't tell you
that much more about his work,
because it's all
very top secret.
Really?
He told you
that his work is top secret?
No, I just figured it was
because he didn't tell me
that much about it.
I see.
Since when do you have a pen pal
who's a marine?
Since I changed schools.
It's a class project,
a volunteer project.
It's to let all the men and
women who serve the armed forces
know how much
they're appreciated.
We can't send real mail,
so we have to send e-mail.
That's a safe way to do it.
What do you write about?
Oh, different things.
Sometimes just funny stuff
that happens around here.
You know, give him a laugh.
Funny family stories?
Yeah, I've got plenty of 'em.
You can't just write
about serious stuff.
He gets enough of that
being in the marines.
Oh!
You scared me.
What were you doing sneaking up
behind me like that?
I wasn't sneaking.
I just dropped Matt and
Sarah off at the airport.
They're on their
way to New York
to check out Columbia
as well as an apartment.
Why are you staring
at the stairs?
Did you know that Ruthie
is writing
to a marine in Afghanistan?
No. I didn't even know she
had a friend old enough
to be in the marines.
I was joking.
What is it, a
school project?
Yes. She's writing about
her family, our family.
Funny stories about
our wacky family.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
I'm happy that Ruthie
wants to show her support for
our men and women in uniform,
but I just don't know
if she should be telling
our "funny" family stories
to strangers.
Why? Do you think there'll be
gossip in Afghanistan about us?
Okay, Mr. Smarty-Pants.
Why can't we just
ask our daughter
if we can read her letters
so we can see what
she's writing?
Because she has the privilege
of privacy in our home,
and we don't read her mail
coming or going
unless she asks us to.
Well, then get her to ask us to.
Fine, then I'll get her
to ask us to read her mail.
Hey, did you know that Ruthie's
writing to a marine?
Oh, yeah, the, uh,
helicopter mechanic.
He's married.
And he's, like, 24, so I don't
think she has a crush on him
or anything,
if that's what you're thinking.
I don't think she has a crush
on him.
I just want to know
what she's writing to him.
And I want to know
how you always know everything
she's doing before we know
everything she's doing.
I guess she trusts me.
More than she trusts us?
Well, you're her parents.
That was my point.
Why isn't Mom making dinner?
I don't know.
Oh. Maybe it has something to do
with that guy in the marines
that Ruthie's writing to.
What guy?
Um... I've said
too much already.
I wonder what she's
writing to him about.
Us?
Well, what do you think
she's writing about us?
I don't know.
What do you think
she's writing about us?
Well, I don't know,
but whatever it is,
it probably isn't good, because
good is not that interesting.
It is to me.
Well, yeah, but you're not
halfway around the world
looking for something
entertaining to read.
What's going on?
Ruthie is writing
to some guy.
Some guy in the marines.
What's wrong with that?
Did you know
she was writing to him?
No.
And do you know why?
No.
Because she doesn't
want to tell us
what she's writing
about us.
Or-- and here's a sane thought
perhaps the two of you
can hold onto with both hands--
maybe Ruthie
didn't share her letters
because she didn't think
we'd be interested.
Oh, yeah, that's
a sane thought.
"I didn't tell anyone in my
family I'm writing to you,
"but I asked everyone what
they're grateful for in America
"as a way to remind you
of just some of the things
you're fighting for."
Are you reading your letter
to that marine?
Yes, and it's wonderful.
Oh. Good.
Wonderful.
Why don't you
start over Ruthie?
Yeah.
"Dear Sergeant Morgan.
"Remember me?
"In case you don't,
my name is Ruthie,
"and I am one of seven children
in the Camden family.
"I didn't tell anyone in my
family I'm writing to you,
"but I asked everyone what
they're grateful for in America
"as a way to remind you
of just some of the things
you're fighting for."
You can each read
the part about yourself.
"My dad is a
Protestant minister,
"and he says that he's grateful
for the freedom of religion
"that we have
in this country.
"And that freedom of religion
is the reason that people
"risk their lives to be here
in the first place.
"To protect that freedom,
"he encourages everyone
to practice whatever religion
"they choose, but to choose one
and practice it.
"My dad helps a lot of people,
"men and women of any race
or religion.
He's there for anyone in need."
"My mother chooses
to work at home.
"What she is most grateful for
is the freedom of education.
"She says it is important for
everyone to have an education
"to make sure that
we all stay free.
"She says uneducated people
believe what they are told.
"Educated people question
what they are told.
"Questioning authority is good,
she says,
"because questioning keeps
the power of authority in check.
"And to ask the right questions
or to know when and how to ask,
"you have to have an education.
"My mom is a good person.
"She takes good care of us
and mostly she just loves us,
even when we do
something crazy."
"Matt, my oldest brother,
is getting married to Sarah
"who is a rabbi's daughter.
"He and Sarah are going
to medical school next year.
"They told me that in America
we have the best medical care
"in the world, and they are
very grateful for the training
"and education available
to them.
"By the way, I think my brother
is not just going to be
"the best doctor in the world,
he is going to be a true healer,
because he really cares
about people."
"Mary, my oldest sister,
is 20.
"She's training to be
an airline attendant.
"And even though some people
are afraid to fly, she isn't.
"She's grateful that we can
travel freely in this country.
"Lots of people
take that for granted,
"but it's a privilege
that would disappear
"if people like Mary
were too scared to do
what is no longer
an everyday kind of job."
Wow.
"Lucy is 19.
"She's following in
my father's footsteps,
"and she's grateful that women
can do that in this country...
"follow in their
father's footsteps.
"Lucy is smart,
and she's beautiful and funny
"and has a heart of gold.
"I imagine that God is proud
to have her on his team
because she is so full of life."
"My brother, Simon,
is turning 16.
"He's grateful to live
in a country
"where there are so many
great cars,
"and he's grateful
that 16-year-olds
"are allowed to drive,
which means we're all grateful
"to have safe cars and airbags
and speed limits
"and other regulations and laws
that protect us
"when 16-year-olds
are driving.
"Tell you the truth,
I'm grateful
"Simon drives really safe,
because I wouldn't want anything
to happen to him."
"And there's one more
guy living with us
"that I didn't count
"when I said there are
seven Camden children.
"That's Robbie.
"He's 20.
"We used to introduce him
as Mary's old boyfriend,
"but we almost never
mention that now,
"because it seems like
he's always been with us.
"He told me he's grateful
he's now part of our family
"because he learned that you
don't have to be blood related
"to be a family.
"Sometimes circumstances
create a family
"that you love
just as much as your own.
"He says that was America is.
"All kinds of people
brought together
by different circumstances."
"So, that's everyone
but Sam and David.
"They're the twins.
"They're three,
"and even though they can't say
what they're grateful for,
"it's probably that they
were born in this country.
"That way they don't have
to sneak over a border
"or stand in line
for years at the INS.
"That's all for now,
and I will ask my dad
"and all my family
to pray for you
"and for all the other
men and women
in our armed forces,
and your families."
That's it, except for,
"Your friend, Ruthie Camden."
So? Are you going
to pray or what?
Sure. Yeah.
How about now?
His name is Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
Father...
we pray for Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan
and for the safety
of all the men and women
in our armed forces
who risk their lives
so that we in America
might live free.
And we pray that you return
each and every one of them
safely to their families.
We pray, too,
that you comfort the families
and friends
of the men and women
who have lost their lives
in the war against terror.
We pray for the victims
of September 11 and their...
and their families
and friends.
Comfort all, heal all...
and bring peace to all
men and women of goodwill,
in this nation and...
and all over the world.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
You don't think
Sergeant Morgan could get killed
delivering supplies, do you?
Why do you ask?
Because when our class
checked our e-mails today,
I didn't hear back from him.
It's Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
I don't know if I can get
any information tonight,
but I'll get on it
first thing in the morning.
There's no reason to believe
that anything's wrong.
It's just a...
a feeling in my gut
when Ruthie said
she didn't get an e-mail.
Eric, are you prepared
to break the news to Ruthie
if something is wrong?
No. I hadn't even
thought about it.
I'm gonna think good thoughts.
We've got over 5,000 troops
in Afghanistan,
and the casualty lists
are miraculously low
considering what
we've achieved so far,
and the task
that's been taken on.
You have any more information?
Uh, yeah, Sergeant Morgan
is with the
Marine Aircraft Group 16,
part of the 3rd Marine
Aircraft Wing.
MAG-16, 3rd MAW. Mm-hmm.
Okay, his squadron is HMH-361
of the Marine Corps Air Station
at Miramar, California.
Well, then he's part
of the Flying Tigers.
The Flying Tigers have
over a 50-year history.
They were deployed
in the Cuban Missile Crisis,
the Vietnam War.
First-rate outfit,
Flying Tigers.
Uh... now, does he have
a family?
I believe he does.
Mm-hmm.
So, how did he wind up
in Afghanistan?
He had just gotten back
last September
and he wasn't supposed
to go anywhere for a while,
but on September 11,
the world changed.
That's what Dwight said.
He got his orders to go
to Afghanistan in November,
and he didn't want to leave
his family so soon,
but that's just part
of being a marine.
They go where they're needed.
He left the day
before Theresa's birthday
and the day after
the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Dwight and Theresa
had a great time.
Then they had to say good-bye.
It was sad,
but sad good-byes
are just part of being
a marine, too.
Hey, the marines
are tough.
They can take it.
And their families
are really brave.
They have to be.
So what's with the boom
box and the video camera?
What are you doing
with that stuff?
Oh, they're loaners.
Everyone in class
is making a short film,
something entertaining
that can be sent
over the computer
to the troops.
I'm going to sing,
"I Won't Back Down."
Tom Petty.
Do you think the soldiers
will like that?
Yes.
But they're not soldiers,
they're marines.
Okay, what's a soldier?
A soldier's in the army,
and sailors are in the navy,
and the air force
has... airmen, I think.
So what else do you
and Dwight write about?
Stuff. Movies.
Before he went to Afghanistan,
he was stationed at Miramar.
That's where TOPGUN
used to be,
when it was a
naval air station.
Now it's in Nevada.
Anyway, that's his
favorite movie, Top Gun,
and on TV he likes
The Simpsons
and King of the Hill.
And he doesn't like pickles,
onions, tomatoes or mushrooms.
What does he eat?
Anything without pickles,
onions, tomatoes
or mushrooms.
Well, he must
have a favorite.
Theresa's enchiladas.
He thinks about them
every day he's gone,
and that's the first meal
he wants when he gets home.
You know, I think that's
what I'd miss the most
if I were in the military--
home-cooked food.
And fast food.
And junk food.
And my bed. I think
I'd miss my bed.
And your earrings.
I still can't believe
there are American troops
in Afghanistan.
I still can't believe why
there are American troops
in Afghanistan.
I think the whole country's
still in a state of shock.
Yeah, the shock
may be wearing off.
Just this afternoon
I had a guy
with four American flags
on his car
cut me off in traffic
and then gave me the finger.
Remember how patriotic
we all were last fall?
I don't know if, in going
about our business as usual,
we've forgotten
what happened,
but I don't think
we've dealt with it.
The only people that seem
to be dealing with it
are the people
who are in uniform
who have to deal with it,
and their friends
and their families,
as well as the friends
and the families
of the rescue workers
and victims.
And New Yorkers. They
have to deal with it.
You can't possibly
be in that city
and see that the skyline
has been permanently changed
and not be permanently changed.
Don't forget about
the people in Washington, DC.
There's a hole in the Pentagon.
That had to have
changed everyone
who works
and lives there, too.
But the rest of us
don't have that daily reminder.
You know, it's easier
for the rest of us to forget.
I agree, and people
are already forgetting
that everyone
on board Flight 93
sacrificed their lives
to keep the terrorists
from hitting another target.
I think it's important
that we remember
what's going on in the world
so that we can try to make
the world a better place.
And I don't mean make the world
a place just like America.
I mean make the world
a better place.
And how do we do that?
Because I'll tell you one thing,
I don't want to go to war.
I mean, I will if I have to,
but I don't want to.
I don't want to go either.
I don't think anyone does.
Thank God
there are men out there
like the marine
Ruthie's writing to,
and there are also women,
who are willing
to go to war, too.
The rest of us are lucky.
Very, very lucky.
And if no one was willing
to go to war,
would we have peace?
I used to think that,
that if no one
was willing to go to war,
there'd be no war...
but I think planes crashing
into the World Trade Center
changed that for me.
Yeah, I feel the same way.
And, although I think
that it's up to every
single individual
to become at peace
with themselves
so that there might be peace
in the world,
I'm betting that we're
a long, long way
from achieving world peace
through inner peace.
But you have to agree
that it's gonna take
something more than violence
to build a lasting
world peace.
We, and that's we,
the people of the planet,
have to fight hunger
and poverty and disease
and ignorance and destruction
of the environment.
I do agree.
But until we make significant
progress on those fronts,
someone's gonna have
to go out there
and put their life on the line,
and those someones
are the ones who are willing
to be disturbed,
inconvenienced and shot at.
Have you heard from your father?
No, and that's
not good.
I mean, he promised
he'd call this morning
and he didn't and he hasn't,
and now I'm worried.
Well, I haven't
turned the TV on.
I don't want to
see any news.
No.
There was a helicopter crash
south of Kabul.
Well, did they say
there were any casualties?
Two.
Did they give any names?
No, they're notifying
families first.
If something happened
to Sergeant Morgan,
I don't know how
Ruthie's going to take it.
Well, we don't know
if it's Sergeant Morgan,
and we shouldn't
jump to conclusions.
But even if it's not him,
even if it's not the person
we've come to know
in the past 24 hours,
these two men are marines,
and each man is someone's son.
Maybe even someone's husband,
someone's father.
I'm so excited.
Uh, did Sergeant Morgan
e-mail you?
No, better.
I got an actual letter.
I've been waiting for it.
It has pictures and everything.
This is Sergeant Morgan
on his wedding day,
and that's Theresa.
Oh...
And this is the two of them
at the Marine Corps Ball.
And this is his son, Alex.
Oh...
And this is the whole family.
Hmm.
And look... he sent me a pin.
It's a flag.
He told me to wear it
and think of him.
What's going on?
I got real mail
from Sergeant Morgan,
and it's a lot better
than e-mail.
You can hold it.
Have a look.
Hey. I've been calling to you
ever since I got off the bus.
Didn't you hear me?
No, I didn't
hear you.
There was a helicopter crash
in Afghanistan
today.
The names aren't
being released yet.
Oh, that's really sad.
Was anyone killed?
Um, I'm not sure.
I'm just glad to know that
Sergeant Morgan's all right.
Do you want to see pictures
of his family?
Nothing. What?
Those pictures are
lovely, Ruthie.
Yeah.
Thank you
for showing us.
No problem.
You can look at them anytime.
Was Sergeant Morgan
on the helicopter that crashed?
We don't know.
I'm afraid I have some bad news.
Grandpa!
What are you doing here?
I'm so happy to see you.
I came here...
'cause I've got some bad
news about your friend.
Sergeant Dwight. J. Morgan was
killed day before yesterday
in a helicopter crash.
A staff sergeant
was killed as well--
Walter F. Cohee III.
But five more marines
were rescued.
That can't be--
I-I just got a letter.
I thought he just...
I didn't think he could...
How did it happen?
They were flying
in a helicopter
called a CH-53E
Super Stallion.
It was one of two
on a resupplying mission
to US forces.
They had just taken off from
their air base north of Kabul,
when Sergeant Morgan's
helicopter went down,
and it was over snow-covered,
mountainous terrain,
about 40 miles south
of the air base.
Well, the site was
secured quickly,
and the medical personnel
got there quickly,
and the men were
evacuated quickly.
But Sergeant Morgan
didn't make it.
And I didn't want you to
hear it on the news, hon.
I wanted to come and tell
you myself, face-to-face.
Well, who's gonna tell
Sergeant Morgan's wife?
Who's gonna tell Theresa?
And who's gonna explain it
to their son, Alex?
Alex is only five years old!
That little boy's probably never
even heard of Afghanistan.
No, probably not.
But I'm pretty sure he has heard
of the United States of America.
That's the country
his father died for.
The United States
of America,
and he died...
in an effort
to keep freedom alive
for his son and his wife
and all his family
and... for all
of the sons and daughters
and mothers and fathers
in this country.
He died for me,
and he died for you.
But I didn't want him to die.
He was a marine.
He died with honor.
I want to be with her.
We will be.
Just give him a chance.
He's old and he's tired
and he hates flying,
and he just flew all the
way across the country
to do the right thing.
Yeah.
He was a marine.
He was a casualty assistance
officer for years.
Ah, he wants to do it;
let him do it.
But shouldn't we be there?
I would have
thought so, Annie,
but he seemed...
very clear about how he
wanted to tell her, so...
I came down
to ask you a favor.
Could you please hold
a memorial service
for my friend,
Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan?
Actually, it's Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
He's going to get
the promotion posthumously.
I guess the Colonel told you
that he died.
His helicopter crashed.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry, too.
Do the others know?
No, we were waiting
till you finished
talking with the Colonel.
I'll tell them now if you're
ready for them to know.
I think I should tell them.
Dwight was my friend, you know.
If that's what you want.
I think I owe it to him
to be brave.
He was brave, you know.
We know.
We'll hold the
memorial service
tomorrow night.
Well, your father
did a good job.
I love my father.
So do I.
Please stand and join me
in singing our national anthem
led by my friend, CeCe Winans.
♪& O say, can you see ♪&
♪& By the dawn's early light ♪&
♪& What so proudly we hail'd ♪&
♪& At the twilight's
last gleaming? ♪&
♪& Whose broad stripes
and bright stars ♪&
♪& Thro' the perilous fight ♪&
♪& O'er the ramparts
we watch'd ♪&
♪& Were so gallantly streaming? ♪&
♪& And the rocket's red glare ♪&
♪& The bombs bursting in air ♪&
♪& Gave proof thro' the night ♪&
♪& That our flag
was still there ♪&
♪& O say, does that
star-spangled ♪&
♪& Banner yet wave ♪&
♪& O'er the land of the free ♪&
♪& And the home ♪&
♪& Of the brave. ♪&
Let us pray.
Dear God,
thank you for the privilege
of knowing
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
Please let tonight be a comfort
to his friends and family
and an honor to him
and all the other men and women
in our armed forces,
as well as the veterans
of our armed forces
and those who died
for our country.
Amen.
Amen.
Please be seated.
This service is in honor
of a young marine,
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan,
who died in a helicopter crash
in Afghanistan
trying to deliver supplies
to American troops.
Killed with him
was Staff Sergeant
Walter F. Cohee III.
We know Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan
only from his e-mails
and letters
that were sent to Ruthie
and shared with our family.
Dwight quickly became
very real to us
as we heard
the details of his life.
The details made him
a human being to us
instead of just a name
or a statistic
that was announced
over the news.
Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan's
wife's name is Theresa,
and he was
madly in love with her.
They met at Willets High School
in the 11th grade,
and they were married
shortly after graduation.
Their son's name is Alex--
he's five.
And Dwight was very...
very proud of Alex.
He was also looking forward
to the arrival
of his and Theresa's
second child in July,
a little girl.
Dwight loved his family,
and he missed them very much.
He especially missed
Theresa's enchiladas,
his favorite food
in the entire world--
and Dwight
had traveled the world.
We also heard from Ruthie
that Dwight didn't like pickles,
onions, tomatoes and mushrooms.
He loved fast food,
especially French fries,
which he always ate
before he touched the burger.
His favorite movie was Top Gun.
And he was stationed
at Miramar in California,
which was, of course,
the TOPGUN base.
Dwight loved all kinds of music
and he paid a lot of attention
to the sound system in his car.
I understand he even received
some local recognition
for the system he had
installed in his Ford Escort.
And one of the songs that he
loved to blast over his speakers
was his and Theresa's song,
Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing."
And even though Ruthie
got quite a giggle from that,
I think we can all agree
that it's a very good song
for many reasons.
Dwight was a good man.
A very smart man.
A skilled mechanic.
He loved kids.
And he loved to hang out
with his friend
Sergeant Jesse Phipps
and his family
and barbecue in the backyard.
And Dwight loved
his brother, Chip.
Chip is 18.
Chip wants to be a marine.
And Dwight cared very much
about his parents as well,
and his stepbrother, Justin,
and for his stepsister,
Nickie, as well.
Dwight had just come back from
a tour of duty last September.
He was looking forward to having
time with Theresa and Alex,
but he got orders to go
to Afghanistan in November.
He was sad to go,
but also proud.
He was proud to be a marine.
He was proud
to serve his country.
And that is what I can tell you
about Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan,
24, of Willets, California.
He died with honor,
because he was an honorable man.
A good husband, a good father.
A good marine.
At our house,
and now in our community,
he is the known soldier,
and we're proud to know him.
So in his honor, I challenge
each and every one of you
to go out tomorrow
and do something
that would make this man
proud of you.
Do something for your kid
or your wife or your family.
Do something for your friends.
Do something
for your community...
or for our country.
But do something in honor
of Marine Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
♪& God bless America ♪&
♪& Land that I love. ♪&
♪& Stand beside her, and
guide her ♪&
♪& through the night with a light
from above. ♪&
♪& From the mountains, to the
prairies ♪&
♪& to the oceans, white
with foam ♪&
♪& God bless America ♪&
♪& My home, sweet home ♪&
♪& God bless America ♪&
♪& My home, sweet home. ♪&
Where you off
to so early?
Oh we're spending
the day with Mrs. Bink.
What did they do?
They're not
being punished.
They're just learning
to take care of older people
in the community.
Mrs. Bink would love to see
them, and she's getting older.
It's hard for her to cook,
so we're going to go over
and make her lunch
and hang out for a while.
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan
would be very proud.
I hope so.
I wanted to do something bigger,
something universal,
world changing,
but this is what
I can do today,
so, this is what I'm going
to do today in his honor.
What are you going to do?
I have something planned.
I don't know. I... I feel
if I tell someone
and they say,
"Oh, Simon, that's so nice,"
then it doesn't really count
because I...
I feel like I'm getting
kind of a reward.
Well, it still does count,
but that's very sweet.
I'll see you later.
We'll be back around 2:00,
then I'm going to make
enchiladas for dinner.
Dwight's favorite.
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
Oh, thanks.
Let me do that.
Come here, guys.
Come on. Come on.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Would you like
to come inside?
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no,
I was just looking.
Well, I've got another
year of college.
I mean, maybe
I'll think about it.
But in the meantime,
I thought I'd just drop off
some breakfast for you.
It's just, uh,
an egg thing and some fries.
I'm doing it in honor of
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
I thought I saw you
at the service last night.
I work at this day-care center
during the week,
I'm the sports director
for the guys,
they're like 5 years old,
but they would love to meet
a real marine.
If you'd ever like to stop by?
Sure. I'd be happy to.
Just tell me where and when.
Well, great. I will.
Thanks, Dwight.
I'm giving out flags.
Would you like a few
new ones for your truck?
Well, how much?
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
you don't have to pay me.
I'm just, uh,
handing them out for free.
It's in honor of someone.
In honor of the marine, right?
Well, thank you,
Staff Sergeant Morgan!
I'm-I'm a veteran myself.
Good for you.
Thanks for serving.
I don't think anybody's
ever said that to me before.
Thank you.
Hey!
I'm sorry I cut you off
in traffic the other day!
No problem.
I'd like to get
a money order please.
Who would you like
that made out to?
The Flying Tigers Memorial Fund.
Is this in memory of
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan?
You're my third one
this morning.
My brother is over there.
In Afghanistan.
He's a marine, too.
Tell him how much we appreciate
his service, will you?
I certainly will.
Thank you.
Hi. I have a deposit...
It was nice of the florist
to donate all this, but...
I don't think
we have enough flowers.
You don't think this was just
one of my wacky plans, do you?
I called people.
I got help.
More flowers are
on the way.
Actually, I did think this
was one of your wacky plans,
so I called a few people, too.
What people?
People.
Do I know your people?
Well, do I know your people?
I called Matt.
From your room?
From work.
Who did you call?
Sarah.
Oh, so they're coming?
They'll be here.
This makes me
feel very sad.
Yeah, there's a high price
for freedom
and very little gratitude
for the sacrifice.
Thank you, Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
♪& ♪&
Hi, Frank.
Reverend.
Where are your shoes?
Someone stole them
from the shelter.
Well, why don't I walk you
over to the shelter
and see if they can
replace them for you?
I-I can't.
I'm waiting for someone.
Who are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for Jesus.
Jesus rides this bus.
Sometimes he gets
off at this stop.
Thank you, Staff Sergeant
Dwight J. Morgan.
I'm sending this song out to you
in memory of
Staff Sergeant Dwight J. Morgan.
And I hope that all of you
Marine's know that you are loved
and that we appreciate
everything you're doing for us.
♪& and I won't back down ♪&
♪& well I know what's right ♪&
♪& and I got just one life ♪&
♪& in a world that keeps on
pushing me around ♪&
♪& but I'll stand my ground ♪&
♪& and I won't back down ♪&