The West Wing - In Excelsis Deo

One of the greatest moments in The West Wing as Toby organises a military honour guard and burial at Arlington National Cemetary for a homeless Korean War veteran.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• the west wing
• arlington
• marines
• Richard Schiff
• Arron Sorkin

[sarnieken]

This episode was amazing. Thanks for posting this clip. As a member of HM armed forces, I like to see a fallen soldier given the respect and proper send off he would no doubt have earned. On a side note, I HATED Mandy's character throughout her time on TWW. Moira Kelly is a fine actress but her character on this was horrible. :-)

[crashrus]

@sarnieken I agree with all three of your points.

[unoJustAJ]

this is not "In Excelsis Deo", this is "The Little Drummer Boy".

[crashrus]

@unoJustAJ The title of the episode is in fact, "In Excelsis Deo". You are correct that the music being performed in and over these scenes is 'The Little Drummer Boy".

[SabrinaStranger]

It's actually "In Exclesis Deo" -- Glory to God in the highest, as in the Christmas carol "Angels We Have Heard on High."

[crashrus]

@SabrinaStranger Thanx - updated.

[TucsonPaolo]

My father was buried here with the same kind of honor guard. This clip brought tears to my eyes.

[pulidogs]

There are so many wonderful scenes from the West Wing I could not count them all. This show was a part of my life and I adored, respected and appreciated the actors themselves as well as the characters they portrayed. A finer TV show has never been aired and I miss it with all my heart. The kindness and intellect of so many is evident in this clip.

[px200easy]

I'm not American, never served in any armed forces, but I found this episode very moving. Well written and well acted and appropriate music for the moment.

I love watching the West Wing on DVD on rainy quiet days. Better than the "reality" TV of late 

[RonnocRetep]

@sarnieken I love this scene and I love how how they all stand by each other as the song goes on. What an amazing team. I had to laugh when I read your Mandy comment as it is sad but so true.

[JVT37]

I can't help but look at this scene, with the interaction between Toby and the Pres, and mourn the delicate relationship Sorkin fostered between the two characters. The West Wing is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest shows ever made; but its one abject failure lies in the expulsion of Toby, in the final season, from not only the Bartlett administration, but from the show itself.. Imagine how great TWW could have been if Sam or Sorkin never left..

Here's to Toby and Jed, and RIP TWW

[whitehat03]

@VegasRolo30

But it makes the right point. Our veterans deserve all of those and more.

[whitehat03]

I missed the West Wing pilot, and ignored it until this episode, when Toby says, "I can only hope so". I've been kicking myself ever since, but proud there was a government of intelligence, of respect and of idealism that helped me through the Bush years.

[gprunty]

the gun salute reminds me of my dads funeral eight months ago I guess it will always make me cry.

[rjoliver]

first time i saw this episode I bawled like a baby. The part when Toby says "I can only hope so" sets me off. Every time.

[DangerDoodle]

That is one smoking hot choir director at :37. Just sayin'

[DevJannz]

This scene never fails to get me choked up. Great use of music and imagery.

[VegasRolo30]

Our Men & Women of our Military....to whome we OWE alot. And for EVERYTHING from D-day to Iraq/Afganistan, Be DAMNED politics....they diserve tons more than they get now. From good Meals (that may or may not be given to contractors), Bulletproof vests, GREAT Benefits, and of course our thanks. If you don't agree, REMEBER Toby said: 1 hour and 20 minutes for the ambulance to arrive. *yes it's a drama tv show*