Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine Sergeant traveling with a folded flag. But, didn't put two and two together. After we'd boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (and was seated across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
"No," he responded.
"Heading out?" I asked.
"No, I'm escorting a Soldier home." he responded
"Going to pick him up?" I asked
"No, he is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family." The Soldier said.
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 did know them after so 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 gentleman, I would like to not 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, so as 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 for doing what you do so we can live the way we do.
I know it sounds strange but I really am glad you posted this. It is beautiful to know how much our troops care for each other. I hope they all know how much we care for them!
I couldn't agree more. Before David and I broke up and he was home on leave, no matter where we were, people would approach him and want to shake his hand, or give him a pat on the back. Or just to say Thank You. It is very touching. I love to see our People show our Soldier's how proud of them they are and let them know that they appreciate what they are doing for us everyday.
Speaking of the things people say to our soldiers I have another one I need to send you. It's about exactly that. I've just got to find it, it's great.
That's great... Before to long we'll adding the "Baller's Forum" lol ... I Think that these are great to have here. And yes, I cried also... and especially cried from the pics on the other post!
It's not an e-mail, but the old Toys for Tots commerical with the little kid and the note with Santa? OH my Lord. I'm torn up. And the Hallmark commerical with the couple seperated during Vietnam and they each bought the other the same card. I have a ton of things sent through my family and friend network in the miltary, I'll start posting but if you get blotchy, you were warned. lol
