Final Salute

Jim Sheeler reports on the families of soldiers who have been killed in action, as well as the soldiers Stateside who tend to those families' needs. Narrator Mark Deakins's sonorous start reflects the dread felt by Marine Major Steve Beck as he prepares to notify a family of its loss. Deakins gives depth to all the family portraits by giving his narration full emotional power, especially in the expressive quotes. Using a tone of respect, he voices family members' motions of anger and sorrow, as well as their love for those killed. Individual portrayals, like the one of the pregnant widow who spends a last night with her husband's flag-draped coffin, communicate both the grief of the families and the dedication of the soldiers who accompany them on their difficult journeys. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine