Good Story,
I thought this was a good story and hope you enjoy it!
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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 poc ket in front of me. You know it's
really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless
sky
mall 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 let's 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 that others had paid the price for my ability to
moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those
Heroes were 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 heroes 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 to
everyone and pray. Something good will happen to you tonight at
9:11 PM.
Charlie
