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]

I agree with all three of your points.

[unoJustAJ]

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

[crashrus]

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]

Thanx - updated.

[jokr8790]

In 2009 there were as best as could be estimated over 131,000 homeless veterans.Given the nature of homelessness it's extremely difficult to get more accurate estimates so the numbers are probably higher. But let's cut spending and refuse to raise taxes on the wealthy in order to deal with this situation. "There's is not to reason why there's is but to do and die."

[avallonmist]

They certainly deserved the Emmys; I agree with another commenter who said this is the best scene ever filmed for television. I play this when I get in one of those 'feeling-sorry-for-myself' moods & it reminds me of how great I really have it. I didn't know John Metzler was in this scene, thanks for telling us that!

)O(

[Blonfelfotch]

This is a really, beatifull moving scene. It took some time, but I suddenly realised the significance of the song. The dead veteran is the little drummer boy who did his best for the "king" I.E: his country and now, haven given his life for his country (he died in Korea, it just took fifty years) The king gets to honor him in return trough the compassion of Toby ziegler. Hi cry each time I watch this

[DeuceMP2]

One of the greatest scenes and episodes of not only the series but television history.

[kavtoM]

I fell in love with Toby because of this.

[gymini29]

it doesn't matter how many times i Watch this clip or see the episode, I still cry like a baby

[DownWithCongress]

@vintagetvreunions It was probably recorded especially for the show, but the Harry Simeone Charale version comes close. The Vienna Boys Choir version on iTunes is similar vocally, but without the full orchestra. I've been searching for a long time, with no avail!

[DownWithCongress]

@sarnieken Totally agree. Also, you might be interested to know that the scene was filmed with an actual Marine honor guard and the man driving the hearse and appearing as a mourner is John Metzler, who at the time was the real-life superintendent at Arlington National Cemetery. Also, Aaron Sorkin, Rick Cleveland, and Richard Schiff won emmys for this episode.

[alestorcrowley]

Perhaps one of the most powerful moments ever committed to television, this scene is truly incredible

[Tigerman1138]

I am a Freemason and a while back attended a Masonic funeral for a member of my Lodge I never had the pleasure to know. The last leg of his life he had fallen to Alzheimer's. He had left wishes for his family to have a Masonic funeral when the time came. I volunteered and though I never knew him I felt *already* knew him as a Brother. The service was beautiful, his family thanked us for restoring dignity, we said he never lost it.I stand for others in the hopes someday someone will stand for me.