www.chirpthird.com: Perspective,... be thankful... (great story)

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Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :

You may have read this. I hope it's true, but even if not, ...it puts things in perspective...

God Bless the troops...

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and
stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure
to be a long , uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving

people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead
and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them,
I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very
well.   I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my"

issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these
clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed
thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know
it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky
mall crap to break the monotony.   With everyone finally seated, we
just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going
although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the
airline industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant

came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The
entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed speaking to say "We are
holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way

to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes.   The word

came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that "I" was
finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks?
I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold
up.........Just get their butts in a seat and lets hit the gas I
thought. The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud
and excited voice that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines
returning home from Iraq!!! Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted
into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people
cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having
their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance
of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the
hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and
cheering didn't stop for a long time.   When we were finally airborne, "I" was
not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me"

getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in
my hand. These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently
about "me" and "my" issues. I took for granted the everyday freedoms I
enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life I took for granted
others paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes
delay to "me" those Heroes going home to their loved ones.   I attempted to
get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed I
suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for
everyone to remain in their seats until our hero's were allowed to gather their

things and be first off the plane. The cheers and applause continued
until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken
for granted everyday freedoms.........   I felt proud of them. I felt it
an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and
say Thank You for a job well done.   I vowed that I will never forget
that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to
those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a
prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.   GOD BLESS
AMERICA! WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!!!!

Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :

What a great story, and tribute. [Cool]

Posted by sscamaro (Member # 1330) on :

That was really great. All too often we only think of ourselves.

[ 09. September 2003, 09:35 AM: Message edited by: sscamaro ]

Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :

Amen !!!!! [Big Grin]

Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :

Great story! [Cool]

Posted by jimb0 (Member # 176) on :

OUTSTANDING!!!

Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :

WOW - even it's not true - it should be!

Gives one pause to think, that was the intention
for writing it, and it worked.

As the World War 2 vets all pass on, I've started
going to the memorial day ceremonies. Seems to
mean more to me as I get older.

Thanks for finding that Kevin.

Posted by CamaroSCG (Member # 1591) on :

Nice story! Thanks for sharing it. [Smile]

Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :

very cool, and timely too.

my co-workers son was just deployed to Baghdad last week.

he already emailed some pictures home... I'll have to find some time to get them resized so I can post them.

Posted by SS_CarGuy (Member # 2065) on :

THAT WAS GREAT! If the story is true, those folks on that plane will all remember this for the rest of their lives.

A story like that sure makes you feel good to be an American. And we certainly need to let all our servicemen know we really are thankfull for their hard work and sacrifices.

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

The only promblem is that they shouldn't have been ther in the first place. Iraq never had ties to Al Quida ( now, thanks to us, they do) or any connection with 9/11.(The Saudis had more of a connection.) No weapons of mass destruction have been found or will be found-just lousy book-keeping; More lives have been lost in keeping the peace than winning the war - and what was/is the plan for keeping the peace? Viet Nam 2 - here we come/here we are. Oh, and Mr. Bush-its the economy stupid! (History repeats itself again).

Posted by Macky (Member # 1427) on :

JeffY, you're not French, are you?
[Big Grin]

D/R!

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Macky:
JeffY, you're not French, are you?

D/R!

Nope-just the father of a Marine.

Posted by 02SS1LE (Member # 2085) on :

Thanks for a great story. I'll pass it on. [Smile]

Posted by Old Coyote (Member # 1343) on :

Wonderful !!! [Cool]

Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :

Excellent story and lesson, thanks! [Smile]

Posted by wickman43 (Member # 2003) on :

woohoo, go me!! [Big Grin]

Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :

quote:
Originally posted by JeffY:

quote:
Originally posted by Macky:
JeffY, you're not French, are you?

D/R!
Nope-just the father of a Marine.

JeffY ...on that basis the soldiers deserve all the respect and accolades they get, and more, as they are obeying their commanders, going into battle, to do what they have pledged to do, trusting those that have the responsibliity to make those decisions ...even though the commander-in-chief may have made the wrong decision.

I'm not prepared to weigh in on that debate as I don't trust the media or politicians, so my opinion would be based on ignorance ....and we know where that gets us [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Kevin V 2002 SS (Member # 1025) on :

They deserve all the support and respect we can provide. Excellent story!!!

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

I agree 100% - never said don't support them. Now that we are committed, let's finish the job. Now that we have suckered the terrorists into Iraq, let's get as many as we can - remember - they don't work for Saddam - they work for Osama! Let the troops do their thing and forget about being policeman. The quicker the better and bring them all home safe and sound.

Posted by Macky (Member # 1427) on :

Hey JeffY,

I understand your frustration with current events in Iraq. But go back and look at some of the early AP, IP, and CNN reports from the war. You will find that US forces found and destroyed at least six terrorist training camps, killed or captured many prominent Al Quida members, and have found overwhelming evidence of the development, testing and use of weapons of mas destruction.

Don't fool yourself, the Iraqi regime has trained, funded, develped and supported terrorist groups for many years. [Frown]

Posted by helloween (Member # 1506) on :

jeffy, macky is right. Don't be fooled by the medias left bias. We would be in a lot more trouble now if it were not for the tough decisions the president had to make.

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

quote:
Originally posted by helloween:
jeffy, macky is right. Don't be fooled by the medias left bias. We would be in a lot more trouble now if it were not for the tough decisions the president had to make.

You mean don't be fooled by the conservative voice of Rush and his cronies who can't get far enough to the right! ( I voted for the guy who won the popular vote-not the guy who's brother was governor of Florida). What tough decisions? To spend $67B to fix something we destroyed when we really need that money and people here in our own country? Just watched the news and heard the Army say how they lost track of Osama a year ago-"the trial is cold" said an Army general - not the media.

Posted by helloween (Member # 1506) on :

quote:
Originally posted by JeffY:
[/qb]

Typical reply. You might as well go with the "selected not elected." [Big Grin]

I didn't mean to upset you and turn this post all political.

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

Just noticed you're from Texas. Say hello to George for me.

[ 11. September 2003, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: JeffY ]

Posted by helloween (Member # 1506) on :

He's comin over for brunch Sunday. Yall should come by. [Razz]

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

No need to-was at his house in DC for lunch last year. Daughter works in DC - she's one of those media type that writes for a newspaper there.

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