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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 !!!!!
This is a ribbon for soldiers
fighting in Iraq.
Pass it on and pray for
their continued safety.
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