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Topic: Thankful (Read 217 times)

lakelady
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Thankful
« on: Jan 27^th, 2005, 5:08pm »

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Just passing this along...

As 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 junk 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!!!!!

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luci
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #1 on: Jan 27^th, 2005, 6:58pm »

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Thank you for posting this one! A few years ago we were on a plane to NC, half the flight was Marines, YOUNG Marines. AS they filed past us getting off, all I could get out was, "Be safe, you're in our prayers". They politely sad "Thank you Ma'am". They were catching another flight on their way to Kosavo.
I wiped the tears that were rolling down my cheeks.

Freedom Isn't Free

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"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and
can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

rcs_mum
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #2 on: Jan 27^th, 2005, 7:55pm »

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What a beautiful story!
I am in touch with several pilots in Iraq through IM every day, and I always feel I can't say thank you enough to them.

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AoM
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #3 on: Jan 28^th, 2005, 6:37am »

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Pass on our thanks as well Mum!!

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bec
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #4 on: Jan 28^th, 2005, 7:08am »

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this really is a beautiful story however I'm sorry to say it's also an "Urban Legend".

This particular story has been doing the rounds since the Vietnam war! I've read the same story about Korea, Desert storm and the like. The first time I heard it was about 15 years ago!

We are currently in pre production for a show based on Urban Legends and this story has come up several times.

Regardless....it is a very heartwarming story.....sometimes it takes something untrue to steer people in the direction of faith and belief either about themselves, mankind or anything else!

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luci
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #5 on: Jan 28^th, 2005, 10:44am »

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My story isn't an urban legend, we were there and it was heart wrenching to see those young soldiers file past us knowing they were going into harm's way.

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"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and
can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

bec
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I'm a pathetically happy person!

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Re: Thankful
« Reply #6 on: Jan 28^th, 2005, 8:24pm »

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Luci I'm sorry but I didn't mean your story was an urban legend........about the plane being delayed and then the marines boarding is one is..... Ididn't mean to upset or offend you Luci.....please forgive me!

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luci
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #7 on: Jan 28^th, 2005, 8:55pm »

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...................not a problem here, Bec, at all! ......just wanted to make sure no one is confused about which one is the real story! You don't owe me an apology Wink

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"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and
can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

rcs_mum
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #8 on: Jan 28^th, 2005, 8:56pm »

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I am on IM with my pilot friend. He said tht miltary over in the fighting zones are fraid that we in America don't remember that there is a war going on and they are dying for us.
I asked him what we can do and he said care packages are great. The schools in the area where he lives make them and when he is home he gathers them up and flies them back to the middle east with him.
He said non perishable items, pictures the kids draw and Thank You notes are things apprciated most!
And when flying back and forth from Germany to Iraq, he and his crew pick up dozens of Dominos Pizzas and gives them out !

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lakelady
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Re: Thankful
« Reply #9 on: Jan 30^th, 2005, 12:28am »

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Mum, can you get more details? I want to help. I can never forget.

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