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City conveyed its appreciation to Marine
I am a Marine Corps dad who picked up my son from the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot at Paris Island on Jan. 25. I had no idea what was in store for him when he came home to Columbus.
Upon our return, we have witnessed a gratitude from the people of Columbus that we did not expect. Last Sunday, my son, Pvt. Tyler Allen Leavitt, put on his dress-blue uniform for church to visit those who have prayed for him during the tough training that Marines must endure for the honor of being called a United States Marine.
During this “victory tour,” Tyler has witnessed a grateful nation through the awesome, intimate hand of fellowship from the people of Columbus.
Here are a few of the wonderful gestures:
After church we had lunch at Stan’s Restaurant. A waitress slipped Tyler $20 and whispered, “Thank you,” and went on her way. We went to T-Mobile at Easton to re-establish Tyler’s cell-phone service. The customer-service line was out the door. Tyler looked at me and said, “Dad, this could take a while.” I left him there for a couple of minutes to look around. I came back to find that the entire line had moved this Marine to the front, as he was already being taken care of by the T-Mobile staff.
While walking to our truck to leave Easton Town Center, many acknowledged Tyler by blowing their horn shouting, “Semper Fi.” The most emotional event was when we heard a mother with her young children say, “Kids, you have just been passed by a United States Marine.” It was all I could do to hold back my tears.
Tyler joined the Marines from his deep passion to serve and protect the nation and people he holds dear. I know from his silence and the look in his eyes during these events that he was deeply moved.
I can see that the honor, courage and commitment instilled during his training was strengthened by the people he loves so much.
Thank you, Columbus.
ANDY LEAVITT
Columbus
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Thank you for sharing that. I love hearing stories like this! It reminds me of everything that I saw when dh came home on leave.
This is a great story, had to have Kleenex!! But it was worth it~~~~we never hear these wonderful stories on t.v. but I am not a bit surprised by that!
Glad your birthday turned out so wonderful!
Okay, got me all teary-eyed.
