7th Heaven (TV Series)

The Known Soldier (2002)

Mackenzie Rosman: Ruthie Camden

Photos 

Quotes 

• Lucy Camden : [about Ruthie's pen pal]  So, how did he wind up in Afghanistan?

  Ruthie Camden : He had just gotten back last September and he wasn't supposed to go anywhere for a while, but on September 11, the world changed. That's what Dwight said. He got his orders to go to Afghanistan in November and he didn't want to leave his family so soon, but that's just part of being a Marine. They go where they're needed. He left the day before Theresa's birthday and the day after the Marine Corps birthday ball. Dwight and Theresa had a great time, but then they had to say good-bye. It was sad, but sad good-byes are just part of being a Marine, too.

  [Mary and Lucy look upset] 

  Ruthie Camden : Hey, the Marines are tough. They can take it and their families are really brave. They have to be.

• John The Colonel Camden : [to Ruthie about Sergeant Morgan's death]  I didn't want you to hear it on the news, hon. I wanted to come and tell you myself, face-to-face.

  Ruthie Camden : Well, who's gonna tell Sergeant Morgan's wife? Who's gonna tell Theresa? And who's gonna explain it to their son Alex? Alex is only five years old! That little boy's probably never even heard of Afghanistan!

  John 'The Colonel' Camden : No, probably not, but I'm pretty sure he has heard of the United States of America. That's the country his father died for. The United States of America, and he died in an effort to keep freedom alive for his son and his wife, and all his family, and for all the sons and daughters and mothers and fathers in this country. He died for me and he died for you.

  Ruthie Camden : But I didn't want him to die.

  John The Colonel Camden : He was a Marine. He died with honor.

• Annie Camden : [to Ruthie]  Since when do you have a pen pal who's a Marine?

  Ruthie Camden : Since I changed schools. It's a class project. A volunteer project. It's to let all the men and women who serve in the armed forces know how much they're appreciated. We can't send real mail, so we have to send e-mail. That's the safe way to do it.

  Annie Camden : What do you write about?

  Ruthie Camden : Oh, different things. Sometimes just funny stuff that happens around here. You know, to give him a laugh.

  Annie Camden : Funny family stories?

  Ruthie Camden : Yeah, I've got plenty of 'em. You can't just write about serious stuff. He gets enough of that being in the Marines.