Posted on 09/13/2003 4:58:00 PM PDT by carlo3b
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL.. AND SELFISH, AND SPOILED....I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long , uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well.
I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my" issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.
With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes.
The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that "I" was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up....... Just get their butts in a seat and lets hit the gas I thought. The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!!
Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people
cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time. When we were finally airborne, "I" was
not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues. I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life I took for granted others paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" those Heroes going home to their loved ones. I attempted to
get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our hero's were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane. The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken
for granted everyday freedoms......... I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say Thank You for a job well done. I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.GOD BLESS AMERICA!
WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!!!!
My fellow FReepers,This letter was passed on to me from an acquaintance who, knowing how squishy I get about my Country, and patriotic stuff. ..NOTE TO SELF: get the friggin Kleenex ready.. Anyway, he sent me this letter from someone (could be anyone of us) who had recently taken a flight home. Whether this is an actual letter from an eyewitness to the events described, or another urban legend is not important is it? Or, if in the outside possibility that this isn't what it portends, but the purpose of the fabrication was to bring attention to the fact that while we are sitting in our cozy chairs, (fat and sassy, or skinny, you bi#ch) in our comfortable homes, forgetting that there are family and friends and total strangers, Americans all, risking, sacrificing, and wasting their young lives in far away places.. so that we all can complain about ________! How selfish we are, not to remember each any every day, those who gives us our freedom.. THANK YOU VETERANS, from the bottom of my heart..
Lest we forget....
SORRY, once again... I can't seem to let you alone.. :|
Tell me what kind of job are you looking for..Freepmail me your location!
Carlo NEVER stop pinging me! I enjoy EVERY ONE of your threads and of course the cookbook! Wish I had more time to respond, but even if I don't please know I read and enjoy everything you ping me with!
Thanks to folks like you, FR is the dynamic, growing and interesting website that it has become!
Hey...conservatives like to have fun...and eat good food, too! Thnks again,
prisoner6
That's OK.
You're the king of guy that when I see your name come up on the CallerID.....
I pick up the phone. :o)
My mom always said if you dont have anything nice to say, shut your *&^#%**% mouth.
I have hired many hundreds of salesmen, secretaries and engineers over the years. I ALWAYS give preference to veterans. You still have to be qualified but it will give you the edge with me.
You're stalking me, aren't you? :^)
This is a tremendus story and a great reminder to pray for and give thanks to our brave men and women in uniform.
Don't ever stop pinging me.
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