[JustAmy]

Thanks, Lori.

I don't understand why the link doesn't stay active. Grrrr. Here is a copy of the letter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soldier will never forget all the grateful ones

(Updated Thursday, September 14, 2006, 5:49 AM)

On the evening of Sept. 8, my wife and I were driving home through the intersection of Shaw and Blackstone avenues. A large group of people, from all races, all ages, were holding signs and waving service flags and the American flag.

It was not a protest of political ideologies; it was not a protest of any type. It was all in support of American service members. I was brought to tears as these common people yelled and screamed "thank you" to me. They had noticed I had my military jacket hanging in the car.

If I'd had the time, I would have gotten out and shaken every one of their hands. The act of these strangers gave me the biggest "thank you" I have received in five years. It was very important to me due to the fact that only hours earlier, I had finalized a full and formal complaint against my employer, for the harassment from my fellow employees based on my Reserve obligations.

"I will never forget their faces," Lewis "Chesty" Puller, USMC, once remarked in his written memoirs. I will never forget these fine people either.

John Allen Essex

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are appreciated!!!

[b9]

Amy, thank you for posting the letter.
How WONderful for that Marine vet, and for all of you who made his day!

[Diver Dave]

It's a "GRATE" letter!!!
The huge crowd on the corner that night makes it all the more meaningful.
And, the fact that the lefty loonies were not across the street to spoil the effect for this young hero makes it even more special.
Keep up the "GRATE" work FResno FReepers!!! Looking forward to joining y'all occasionally.

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

Wow Wow Wow,

If that doesn't make it all worth it I don't know what would.

I hope that someone can get a copy of that letter to the Riverdale group. It would make their day also.