An American Encounter

Lloyd Marcus

[Lloyd Marcus]

An American Encounter

Upon pulling up to drop my wife off at Orlando International airport, I witnessed a very young white U.S. soldier being dropped off by his upper middle class parents. Both parents bravely maintained their composure, but emotions were visible as they gave their son farewell hugs. He smiled and disappeared into the terminal. The mom got back into their car and silently kept wiping stubborn tears from her eyes. With a handkerchief, the dad discretely chased a tear from his eye. Their emotional goodbye felt wholesome and good.

Without thinking, I ran over to their car as the dad was getting into the driver’s seat. “Where is he going…Iraq?” I asked inquisitively. Appearing not to be threatened by the strange enthusiastic black man, the dad replied, “Afghanistan.” I shook his hand and said, “Thank you”. I reached inside their car and gave mom’s hand a squeeze also. The dad replied, “Thank you sir”.

I ran to my car and returned with my patriotic CD. Pointing to the name and photo on the cover, I said, “This is me”. The dad lowered the car window, took the CD and said, “Thank you, I’ll mail this to him”. Finally focusing my attention on my departing wife, I gave her a goodbye kiss, returned to my car and drove off.

Unexpectedly, I began to weep. My brief encounter with the parents of the young soldier had profoundly touched me. Was it their illuminating love, pride and support of their son or was it the character and bravery of this fine young man volunteering to serve his country? Perhaps it was the unity I felt sharing a compassionate moment with fellow Americans. I honestly do not know why I was so moved, tearing up even as I write this letter. All I know is that our exchange was truly a wonderful American encounter.

[Ladycalif]

Thanks.

[IncPen]

Thanks for this post.

When I see someone in uniform I don't miss the opportunity to say 'thank you'.

They need to hear it, and we need to say it.

[359Henrie]

You question why you weep? Maybe your a decent man.

[Paladin2]

United we stand, ...........

[Paladin2]

United we stand. (period)

[RAY]

Thanks Lloyd!

[nitejohnboy]

Unexpectedly, I began to weep.
...............

Me too.

[SandRat]

Bring Tissues,..... please

[MountainDad]

I pray you're there the next time I drop my son off at the airport. God bless you!

[luvie]

Thanks for the *sniff* warning! I got to tell a young woman whose boyfriend is in Iraq to please thank him for me for serving his country. She seemed kind of surprised that anyone...that she doesn't know...would say that. I also said I'd pray for him....which, God be with him, I have!

[Eagles6]

Thanks. What's your cd?

[Brad from Tennessee]

I was exiting a sporting goods store in Jackson, Tennessee recently when a young man pulled up and parked next to my car. I noticed an ARMY sticker on the rear passenger window of his vehicle. When he got out I introduced myself and he told me he was home on leave and expected orders to Iraq soon. I said, "We are all very proud of your service." He noticed the Marine Corps sticker on the rear window of my truck and I told him I had been in 'Nam in '67 and '68. We shook hands and wished each other well. I drove off thinking Generation X gives me a renewed hope for the future.

[cubreporter]

During the Vietnam war we were at the airport in Phoenix, AZ. Sky Harbor Airport. We had met my parents at their plane and caught sight of a young couple with a baby around 8 mos old. He was in uniform and they were hugging and holding each other close. Before long he was giving one last hug and kiss to his wife and baby. Then he was gone. Oh my gosh, we cried together as we watched his wife and baby walk off alone. It was one of the saddest sights I had seen and my parents too. I ALMOST went up to her to just tell her how badly we felt but...I felt like it would be more of an intrusion and then when she was walking away I didn't want to make her cry even more so we left it alone.

That was in 1970 and I often wonder how she and her baby were and how they did that year and hopefully, her husband returned to them safe and sound.

It was a terrible time and we never forgot it. I hope he returned and that they raised their little baby and maybe had one or two more. Either way I wish now that I had spoken to the young wife. We were proud of her and her husband and didn't even know them but...we sure as heck KNEW he was going to be gone for a remote. Was very sad.

Imagine that baby is now 35 years old and the young mother and soldier father are maybe 52 or so. There are some things that just stay with a person and for me and my husband and family...this was one of them.

God bless all our military around the world!

[Theo]

A simple search reveals:

:-)

[Riley]

I am reminded of a similar incident- I stopped off at a C&W bar for a beer on my way home after a particularly difficult day. I was still in my summer service Charlies. Probably shouldn't have gone in in uniform- but WTH. This was many, years ago.

I felt like I was the guest of honor at a surprise party. Every time my hand started to go for my wallet, another beer appeared in my hand. I had people thanking me and shaking my hand all night.

I wasn't anything special in the Corps- just a guy doing my job- but I felt like I'd been mistaken for Smedley Butler or somebody. I got home in a state. :-)

Thanks for the memory.

[injin]

for all of you that would like to really reach out and help some of our brave heros in uniform personally :

http://adoptaplatoon.org/new/

This is a real good cause

[Brad from Tennessee]

In August 2004 we had a battalion reunion, inside the 1st Mar Div Reunion, in D.C. I saw people I hadn't seen for almost 40 years. We tried to avoid contemporary politics but once I remember Kerry's name came up. Nobody could remember anybody who had gotten three Purple Hearts, a Silver and a Bronze Star in four months.
Like you, I was just happy to have survived.

Semper Fi

[andyk]

<sniff>