Posted on 11/23/2009 4:04:38 PM PST by shoptalk
Senior citizens in Maine have greeted over 900,000 US troops at a tiny local airport.
For the past five years, a group of senior citizens has made history by greeting over 900,000 American troops at a tiny airport in Bangor, Maine. Take an intimate look at three of these greeters as they confront the universal losses that come with aging and rediscover their reason for living.
(Excerpt) Read more at video.pbs.org ...
The group featured in this film (one hour and twenty minutes), the Maine Troop Greeters, is comprised of volunteers who come together to welcome the return of or bid farewell to American military service members at Bangor International Airport (BIA).
The airport is the first major American airport for airplanes approaching the United States from the east, as well as the last major airport for airliners going toward Europe. Its location, uncluttered airspace and long runway make it a favorite stop for military planes. The Maine Troop Greeters' efforts began in 1991, when members began to greet troops traveling to serve in the first Persian Gulf War.
Over the last six years, the group has greeted more than 5,000 flights, carrying more than 900,000 service members. In addition to hugs and handshakes, the greeters have provided free cell phones and snacks.
Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have joined the troop greeters at the Bangor airport. There are similar greeting programs around the country in areas such as Dallas, TX; Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; and Pease, NH.
ping
Patriots being welcomed home by patriots.
Ping.
I think this is great I just wish those people from maine would find two better Senators.
Could we just leave it there?
Could we just appreciate this story and these people and leave the rest for other posts?
This is great stuff. God Bless these people. I’m sure I would want to be greeted by a friendly “Grandma” and “Grandpa” after or before a life changing journey.
Sure.
Thanks, shoptalk. Putting armymarinemom at the head of this Ping to tell us more : )
God bless them.
So many that represent the kind hearted, patriotic spirit so many Americans still feel in their hearts toward our magnificent military establishment. God bless us all for caring and being grateful for all they do each day.
If you read the linked story above, George Nye who is mentioned in the article, started greeting troops coming home from Desert Storm. George wanted to make sure that our troops would never again be greeted like he was during his return from Vietnam. If you watched the movie We Were Soldiers, George Nye is the man who helped move a badly burned PFC Jimmy D. Nakayama with Joe Galloway. George passed away after decorating a tree for his troops passing through Bangor.
That requires an ALOHARONNIE ping!
Thanks. This is the stuff that Thanksgiving is made of...do you have more stories about this, amm?
Those surrounding our president, and scattered throughout our government, are the ones who used to curse and spit on our troops going to and returning from Vietnam.
It seems strange that as the government gets worse the people get better. Kind of makes you wonder about the legitimacy of our election system at present.
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