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Omaha made me cry
Written by W. Curtis Preston
Tuesday, 02 December 2008
I'm sitting here in Omaha, NE, waiting for my flight back to warmer weather in San Diego. Something just happened that just touched my heart. In these days of cynicism, it's so nice to see people do the Right Thing(tm).
Click Read More to find out what they did.
There was a plane with three military people returning from Iraq for a two-week R&R, after which they'll return to the desert. American Airlines announced that on the airport-wide PA. They said that they were arriving at gate A7, and if you wanted to show your appreciation, come on down. (They said “soldiers” in the announcement. I live just south of Camp Pendleton and know better than to call a marine a soldier, and I didn’t get close enough to see which branches they actually served in -- so I’ll just call them “military people.”)
I'd say well over 200 people immediately left whatever they were doing and came to gate A7. When the first pair of cammies appeared, everyone stood up and applauded. They gave cheers of "Thank you!" and "We love you!" and "Welcome Home!" Some even pulled out little flags and waved them. They then remained standing as the plane unloaded (even though it took quite a while) and cheered for each and every uniform (and one in civies) that came off the plane. It looked just like this.
The military folks were overwhelmed and so was I. (OK, I didn't cry, but I definitely teared up – and I still am as I type this.) Maybe I'm an ol' softy, but in all fairness, I am a veteran (6 years, IC2 USN). Also, no one had to do that. That American Airlines gate agent didn't have to make that announcement. Those people didn't have to come to our gate, and they didn't have to applaud and cheer. And you know what? Those military people didn’t have to sign up, either. So the least we can do is give them a hearty thank you whenever we see one. No matter what you feel about the war, you have to love the person who will defend what we ask them to defend –wherever it is.
Next time you see a uniform or someone who you know wears one, please tell them “thank you for your service.” Offer to pay for their drink or their meal. If you’re sitting on a plane/train/bus next to them, find out if they’re returning from Iraq/Afghanistan/wherever. If they are, let the crew know. They’ll usually make an announcement and the whole plane/train/bus will applaud.
Thanks to every person in uniform and thanks to the fine people of Omaha for warming my heart.
Great post. As a former US Marine Corporal (Comm Ctr / Small Computer Sys Spec) I really love hearing about and seeing these great moments of appreciation for those that volunteer their service to their country. God bless everyone one of them. Semper Fi!
mikearm
- Appreciation
|2008-12-05 21:16:24
While many of us do not support the war(s) we are involved in, we have to support our troops. I have worked for a major defense contractor for over 30 years, and have worked with many vets and active duty military over the years (including a stint at the pentagon). I appreciate what they have gone through for our country.
I certainly agree with Aaron, and thank you Curtis for your post.
You can show your appreciation for the troops by going to the USO Website
