Topic: A Simple Thank You
in Forum: Humor
This came to me in a eMail from a cousin back in Connecticut and it was too important not to pass on to all of you. Oh ya my cousin owns a 1978 Pace Car also 
Simple Thank You
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not 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."
"Going to pick him up?"
"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family."
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 gentlemen, I would like to note 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.
Stuart Margel, Washington, D.C.
|
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117 
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
At my part-time job I work at an international airport and have seen all different military personnel take off with and pick up outside the plane.
Not to shoot the first photo. I don't see anything like that where the military personnel get into the belly of the plane and get the casket while passengers watch taking it off the plane. Mostly, only one military personnel would be escorted out to pick the casket up and put on a cart to be driven to the luggage area for final destination.
If the first photo is real. That must of been an officer or a non-officer that got a high award. And most people don't wait and watch the military take caskets off the plane. To busy rushing to their other destination. 
Nice to see things like that though. 
Lifetime MemberSmaller airports in grass roots towns, small populations......simetimes these things are more emotional and "home hitting" in the heart of smaller American towns and they go the extra mile.
If it were up to me, every fallen soldier would recieve the same, special treatment.
Paul (aka Luke)
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
I am a frerquent flier and have seen the loading and unloading several times - it'is gut wrenching - each time - I take a moment for a silent prayer .
God Bless America and all those who serve . I worked in the World Trade Center - that alone brought many things to light - Living in this great country for 1 Living -is another
Big Al
Lifetime Member
Lifetime MemberJimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
Click to see larger views!
Lifetime MemberSpoken with the highest degree of respect, appreciation and sincerity...
Thank You
1973 Coupe 
(click to see a bigger version)
We can never say thank you enough nor can we ever repay these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us in the name of freedom!
As the father of a son who bravely served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, raiding insurgents/terrorist houses, raiding weapons caches, patroling the streets of Baghdad and Sader City, I salute all who have served and are currently serving! THANK YOU!
GOD BLESS THEM ALL!
John D. Grant "Corvette; Cure for the common mid-life crisis!" 
The second place photo got to me. It shows the love this woman had for her husband and as a soldier. I live in a small community. The town I live in is less than 200 and the next town has about 2500. Last year, one of the local soldiers was killed in Iraq. It was the first time a soldier in the area was killed since the Korean war.
It is about 13 miles from the interstate to the funeral home. People were lined up on both sides of the road. Sure there were spots that were empty but everyone had a candle lit and as the procession went past, you could hear a pin drop and everyone had their hands over their heart. This was very emotional for the whole community.