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Posted on 06/27/2008 10:16:20 AM PDT by BulletBobCo
SEATTLE, Wash-- A Seattle man started a trend that pays respect to soldiers in uniform when they are in public places like airports. Since launching a website in September he's received millions of web hits.
The trend is called the Gratitude Campaign and it all starts with a hand signal that you can do anytime you see a soldier in uniform. The signal is a new way to thank soldiers for their service without having to interrupt them or make them feel uncomfortable.
Soldiers in the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat team are preparing to leave for Iraq in August. They will be travelling through commercial airports and are getting familiar with the hand signal.
"It's an easy way to say thank you without having to feel that awkwardness because I know for some guys and some of my friends in the military its sometimes hard to know what to say back," said Donald Nelson, U.S. Army Delta Company.
The founder of the Gratitude Campaign says all you have to do is put your hand on your heart and then move your arm down. He chose the heart rather than the American Sign Language 'thank you' from the chin because he says nothing from the heart can be seen as offensive.
"We switched to the sign that starts at the heart thinking that even if you didn't know what that means anything that comes from the heart is probably a good thing," said Scott Truitt, Founder of Gratitude Campaign.
Since launching a website the Gratitude Campaign has gained national attention, being played on digital billboards in New York City and having eight million video downloads.
"It would be a little bit easier to recognize that then somebody coming up and making you feel awkward when they thank you," said Vincient Reil, U.S. Army Private.
Soldiers from the National Guard in Pasco say they like the hand signal because it is easier than stopping them in the airport and less awkward.
"I think just like everybody else, if I could leave today and get it over with I'd just as soon do that but I'm excited, trying to get my team prepared and trying to get my guys ready," said Thomas Wynecobb, U.S. Army Platoon Leader.
If you walk past a soldier try the hand signal and show him you're thankful he's serving our country.
Thank you for serving our country, Boonie. Husband does just what you do. Lunches, beer, and even a couple sky-dive jumps to our service men, he is an old wanna-be airborne at heart.
Yo, Howie, thanks for your service...but...
As the story says, this simple gesture lets the soldiers off easy. They don’t have to talk to us, all they have to do is RECEIVE our thanks. It’s about the soldier’s comfort, not our need to be recognized for recognizing their service.
Does that make sense?
(psst....how come only part of you is a Marine? I didn’t know they did partials! LOL!)
ABSOLUTLY!
Semper fi mac
Boonie,
Semper Fi and thanks for your service in Vietnam! That was my war (I am in my 50’s.) I could not understand why the boys coming back from SE Asia were being disrespected. That was a horrible place to be.
“As the story says, this simple gesture lets the soldiers off easy. They don’t have to talk to us, all they have to do is RECEIVE our thanks. It’s about the soldier’s comfort, not our need to be recognized for recognizing their service.”
I can assure you that the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coasties and Marines would not feel uncomfortable in having somebody who is genuine and open in showing their gratitude, support and respect.
In far too many cases those that have no sense of gratitude, appreciation or respect for our troops make no bones at all in expressing their opinions and hostility in a very public and rude manner. Perhaps it is those “people” that should find a “covert” way of doing so. I will also say that where they have a right to express themselves, I retain my right to express my contempt and disdain for them.
Don’t fret....I am and will remain 100% MARINE.
PS: I appreciate your thanks.
(heh, thought you said your a$$ was Marine!!!)
Ah, love Friday afternoons!
I like a thumb’s up.
When people thank me for my service, especially in Viet Nam, I just tell them, “My privilege!”
“When people thank me for my service, especially in Viet Nam, I just tell them, “My privilege!””
That’s a good response.
I have also said on occassion, “No Thanks are necessary. I only did what I thought was right”.
Or, “Serving our country was my honor”.
I might add, when I encounter those that served before me in Korea and WWll, they ALWAYS enjoy being acknowledged, you can tell.
It’s okay to be shy, blu. I can understand that.
As to my a$$, since it’s part of my gear, it too, it’s all MARINE. :-)
I do keep my gear in a nice tidy and organized military order. Never know when I will have to swing back into action.
One of my Adult Sunday School students at the Air Force Academy Community Chapel flew 11 missions over Germany during WWII as the command pilot of a B24. He and I have become GREAT friends!
I know what you mean. I have a real good friend that retired after 23 years in the Army and then the Navy. He served in Korea and Vietnam and is like a brother to me.
I note that you are a retired Chaplain and former cannon cocker (as was I). Thanks for your work, Sir.
I think you’re right -— it looks kinda “sissified” if you ask me..... I think I’d like a hand signal that typifies in motion the phrase “Get Some!”.......
My joy and privilege!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are a true gentleman with honor. I salute you, my friend. And thanks for your service to our country many years ago.
Great! Shot in SeaTac Airport (SEA), right in the middle of bluest Washington!!!!!
Yep. You give 'em your best "Welcome Home" grin, they know what you mean, and no one else notices, so they can eat their lunch in peace.
I always give a thumbs up when passing caravans, to at least counter the disgusting bumper stickers out of Seattle & south.
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