I thought this was a good story and hope you enjoy it!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------

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