Ahead of Veterans Day, actor Chris Pratt has expressed his appreciation for the contributions of U.S. military chaplains stationed around the world.
“I know combat chaplains may not want to be called heroes, but it’s hard for me to think of a better word to describe them,” Pratt told The Epoch Times via email.
The award-winning actor serves as the executive producer of the new faith-based documentary “Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey,” which debuts in select theaters on Nov. 8.
The film—co-directed by filmmakers Rich Hull and Justin D. Roberts, a former Army combat chaplain, and made in conjunction with Paulist Productions—highlights the riveting journeys of various Army combat chaplains throughout military history.
“This movie is a reflection of an underserved community of heroes and is a reminder for everyone—no matter how we live our lives in the world—to have a ‘fighting spirit’ in service to others,” Pratt said.
Dressed in military uniforms and armed with only their faith, the commissioned officers are tasked with ministering to soldiers in times of peace and war—from providing worship services on military bases to comforting wounded and dying soldiers on the battlefield.
Touching on the role of military chaplains as noncombatants, Pratt noted that “being a hero isn’t always about physical strength and weapons of war.”
“I love that some of the greatest weapons of the combat chaplains ... include encouragement, sacrifice, and, as said in the film, sometimes just being present,” he said.
Pratt said the “opportunity to shine a spotlight” on the remarkable—yet often overlooked—stories of these military chaplains inspired him to get involved in the film.
“The combat chaplains represented in ‘Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey’ are extraordinary reminders of the largely unknown work that takes place in the most dangerous situations to support our country’s bravest warriors,” the actor said.
‘Fighting Spirit’ Prayer Campaign
Hull told The Epoch Times that he hopes the documentary will bring people together amid the nation’s current divisive climate.“This is a film that’s purpose-built to bring audiences of all types together to celebrate the powerful journeys of our military’s combat chaplains and the profound, heroic impact they have on our soldiers and soldiers’ families,” Hull said.
To help amplify the message of unity, Pratt, Hull, and Roberts teamed up to introduce an online prayer campaign to honor those serving in the line of duty.
The trio is inviting people of all faiths to share a “#FightingSpiritUnity” prayer on social media for combat chaplains and military members, both past and present.
Pratt, Hull, and Roberts took to Instagram to share their own message of support prior to the campaign’s launch on Oct. 31.
“Today, we offer thanks for the inspiration that military chaplains provide, for ALL Americans, to freely practice their faith ... or none at all, so that we may form a more perfect union. May the stories of our chaplains’ service and sacrifice finally unite us all.”
“We invite you to contribute your own personal prayer in honor of a combat chaplain or your own hero,” the website reads.
In a statement shared with The Epoch Times via email, Michael Sullivan, another executive producer on the film, said the prayer campaign is already garnering support online.
“We love seeing the wave of messages as the film approaches its debut only in theaters,” Sullivan said.
“We hope to spark a movement of gratitude this Veterans Day by honoring these unsung heroes and amplifying their stories.”
