A Simple Thank You

Janet · 10-23-2006, 06:30 AM

I didn't make it through with the tears just falling.......

A Simple Thank You

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.

Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as i f he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

magnolia · 10-23-2006, 06:35 AM

Janet - that was absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing that!

Kimberley · 10-23-2006, 06:50 AM

That is beautiful! God bless our troops!

SweetCuteness · 10-23-2006, 07:18 AM

Wow... thank you for sharing.

rivermom · 10-24-2006, 01:06 PM

I found myself not taking a single breath reading this post. Thank you for sharing.

10-23-2006, 06:30 AM	#1
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,624	A Simple Thank You I didn't make it through with the tears just falling....... A Simple Thank You Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. No, he responded. Heading out I asked? No. I'm escorting a soldier home. Going to pick him up? No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family. The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as i f he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do. Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign." Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do. __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

10-23-2006, 06:35 AM	#2
magnolia Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 482	Janet - that was absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing that! __________________ Suzi "Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been"....Jimmy Buffett

10-23-2006, 06:50 AM	#3
Kimberley Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 671	That is beautiful! God bless our troops! __________________ Kimberley "If you can read this, thank a teacher and since it's in English, thank a soldier"

10-23-2006, 07:18 AM	#4
SweetCuteness Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oro Valley, AZ Posts: 120	Wow... thank you for sharing. __________________ Britta Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies.

10-24-2006, 01:06 PM	#5
rivermom Donating 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tontitown, Arkansas Posts: 2,475	I found myself not taking a single breath reading this post. Thank you for sharing. __________________ ~_/> , /\/\ ,,, Sheryl When I grow up I want to be a horse whisperer!

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