Posted on 05/03/2007 10:53:05 AM PDT by military cop
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.
I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.”
My allergies must be acting up today...having a bit of a problem seeing clearly after reading the above.
Semper fi
Yeah pollen is bad here in Houston too.
Last month I switched my first class company paid for seat with soldier in uniform in coach. The flight attendents made sure I got free drinks delivered back there and several people in coach bought me drink too. I had Sky bottles lined up all the way across the tray. But hey, I’m proud to what I can to support the troops! At least I lived up to my log in name.
I posted a similar article I was sent via email about 3 weeks ago and someone here said Red Fridays started in Canada as a way to honor their troops. Since then my wife, children and I are wearing red on Fridays.
“Last month I switched my first class company paid for seat with soldier in uniform in coach.”
I’m flying into Las Vegas for the SHRM convention next month, and after I read this article I decided if the opportunity arose I would do the same thing you did.
Least I can do. Last time I went through an airport in uniform was January of 1981, in San Francisco.
Half dozen teenagers called me a ‘baby killer’.
Never saw a baby aboard ship...
“Since then my wife, children and I are wearing red on Fridays.”
I plan on doing this from now on, beginning this Friday.
First post (I read frequently) but couldn’t NOT reply to this. Godspeed to ALL our fallen heros! :usa:
And dblshot, what a wonderful way to help honor our soldiers. Kudos.
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
Blurry monitor/saluting in my heart BUMP
I’ve seen the same around here for the past couple of years, especially since Matt Maupin went missing - just a couple miles up the road from his family here in Ohio.
The bikers in particular are a huge support group for Sgt Maupin’s family.
I’ve actually screamed that at my tv quite a few times lately. God bless our troops and protect them.
That started me off, but the part about watching him salute the casket is what got me.
May God bless and protect our Armed Forces.
Thank you so much for what you did!
I will wear red every Friday, per this announcement.
Kleenex alert.
I passed this along.
DFW has the same allergy problem. I lost a Marine cousin in the first push into Falluja.
I pray over our troops daily.
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