As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'
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 acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving
thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. 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 asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...
The
young soldier, who 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 daughter's 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.
As
the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed
their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there
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
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.
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.
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.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.
IF YOU COULD CARE LESS, THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON --- IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
