I know this is a day late or so, but it fits right in with the subject at hand
A Soldier's Daughter
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference.
While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me
beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed
one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's,
as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was
abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When
I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it
hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American
who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young
unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so
we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when
I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men
and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of
the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little
girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would
try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little
girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she
could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney,
told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in
Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter,
Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When
this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of
the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other
servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started
playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to
Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and
he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that
he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying
"your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything
and he is coming home very soon."
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was
standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As
the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed
their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their
were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last
act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a
tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's
good to be an American.
Red Friday - Just keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's
going on in case this takes off. 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 over-bearing. We get no
liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.
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, co-workers, 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.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON IF YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON --- IT IS YOUR CHOICE. WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.
THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- MAY GOD HELP AMERICA TO BECOME ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.
HAVE A GREAT DAY.