A couple of years ago, I had a photo exhibit in Sweden with a photographer friend. We set it up and were anxiously awaiting it opening. He taught at a local school and told me at least we would have his students stop by. To both our surprise, even the local news showed up to cover it.
At one point, I am talking to what seemed like several people at once when I feel a tap on my shoulder. It was my fellow photographer. He said” there are two people here who have been waiting to meet you since this was announced”.
I turn to see two of the MOST beautiful, young (17ish) girls on Earth. One was from Kuwait and one from Iran. The reason they wanted to meet ME? NOT photos..because to them, the “American Army is THE ONLY PEOPLE ON EARTH WHO GO AROUND THE WORLD TO SAVE PEOPLE”...that was THEIR quote..IN ENGLISH. I was HONORED.
They asked me if I knew” anyone in the American Army”. I told them I did and they made me PROMISE I would tell any “Am Army” I knew something:
from the Kuwaiti:” My Country is FREE today because of America”
from the Iranian:” And SOMEDAY, because of what America is doing in Iraq, MAYBE MY COUNTRY WILL BE FREE”
Oh, that is just HEARTWARMING! To hear comments and stories like that, it’s just wonderful.
Hey AtlantaBelle. I was army infantry during the Gulf War in 1991. I saw some of the aftermath of what the Iraqis did to the Kuwaitis, and heard of even worse things. Thank you for telling that story.
Belle, I was very pleased to read your story! Back in the summer of ‘64 my ship, the destroyer USS Bigelow, was visiting Stockholm, and some of the local gals castigated me because of our efforts fighting the communists in VietNam. Since then I have had a had a negative impression of the so-called Swedish “neutralists” and am glad that there are now other attitudes prevalent there now! Thank you...
JC
Thanks for sharing that.