Last Flag Flying

In 2003, Larry 'Doc' Shepherd reunites with his old comrade, Sal Nealon, at Sal's bar. The meeting is filled with nostalgia as they reminisce about their time in the Vietnam War, which sets the stage for deeper revelations to come.

During the reunion, Doc shares his intention to track down another friend from their past, Reverend Richard Mueller. This revelation introduces the central quest of the film, which is marked by the need for closure and connection.

Doc receives a heartfelt dinner invitation from the Muellers, highlighting the warmth of their relationships despite the heavy undertones. It's during this dinner that Doc musters the courage to reveal devastating news about his son.

At dinner, Doc reveals the tragic news of his only son, Larry Jr., being killed in Iraq. This moment is heavy with emotional weight, as Doc also shares the pain of recent widowhood, showcasing his profound grief.

Doc expresses his desire for Sal and Mueller to accompany him to retrieve his son's body for burial. Sal quickly agrees, but Mueller hesitates, revealing the emotional conflict that will accompany them on their journey.

Despite initially hesitating, Mueller grapples with his memories and ultimately decides to join the journey after encouragement from his wife. This moment underscores the importance of support in facing difficult pasts.

As the trio embarks on their road trip, they confront their complicated pasts, which leads to uncomfortable truths. The friction between Sal and Mueller surfaces, revealing the guilt they carry regarding their reckless behaviors.

At Dover Air Force Base, Doc insists on viewing his son's body, despite objections from Mueller and Colonel Wilits. This emotional moment amplifies his grief and showcases the difficulty of accepting the loss.

LCpl Charlie Washington, a close friend of Larry Jr., reveals the mundane circumstances surrounding his death, which deeply unsettles Doc. This truth forces Doc to reconsider the narrative he has been holding onto about his son's heroism.

Distressed by the revelation of his son's death, Doc decides against a burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Instead, he opts for a civilian funeral, seeking a more personal tribute to his son's memory.

The journey back home is marked by bureaucratic hurdles and missed opportunities, yet also leads to unexpected moments of connection among the three men. Their initially tense interactions soften as they share experiences.

During a detour to Boston, the trio visits Mrs. Hightower, the mother of a fellow Marine. They find that she has been misled about her son's bravery, prompting them to fabricate a story to protect her from further sorrow.

Upon returning to Portsmouth for Larry Jr.'s funeral, the group faces the reality of their decisions. Washington encourages Doc to reconsider what he wears for the ceremony, emphasizing the integration of the past and present.

During the somber flag-folding ceremony, Sal and Mueller don their military uniforms, honoring their fallen friend. This moment symbolizes respect and remembrance, intertwining their shared past and current grief.

In a poignant twist, Washington hands Doc a letter from Larry Jr., expressing his wishes to be buried beside his mother. This heartfelt revelation reinforces the bond between father and son and highlights the significance of family.