Our classmate, Frank Vetree emailed me and requested that I place this touching story on The Lantern. I have seen this online before and certainly worth forwarding.
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 if 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.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a home coming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
Thank you Frank for submitting such a heartwarming story. Yes, I'm going to wear a Red Shirt on Fridays! How about you? Let's not be part of the "Silent Majority"! If you don't own a red shirt, go out and buy one.
Excellent Entry Frank!
Click below to view a Tribute to our Troops on UTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_i0Y6v6mk8&feature=related
Hi Frank It was a very heartfelt story you told us I have heard of other wonderful stories of our silent majority giving honor to our servicemen but I agreed we need to show them more support and wearing Red on Fridays is really a simple way to do that. When my brother came home from Vietinam people were so against the war they took it out on the soldiers who going thru hell for all of us to complain and speak out which I believe you can do. While giving your support to the men and women who put their lives on the line for us everyday.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful seeing something written by you to share with us I remember our get days at McKinley Where are you living now Jeanine Erricolo White
Hi Frank,
ReplyDeleteIts your old classmate and softball team mate here. Your story
about the Marine was heartwarming. Its one thing to read,
watch or hear about these things. But when one sees the actual
thing, its moving and certainly makes the whole situation real.
Our class certainly remembers Viet Nam and similar occurrences
during that time. Maybe thats why this seems so familiar to us.
Your gesture to the Marine had to make his journey a bit easier
and Im sure he appreciated your support for what had to be a
difficult task for him. Whenever I see or speak with a World War II
veteran I always shake his hand and thank him for his service.
The veteran usually seems surprised but I always tell that he and
his fellow soldiers are not forgotten. Its the least we can do.
Good job, Frank,
Sal Carmosino
Frank,
ReplyDeleteI have five brothers and I recall each and every one of them coming home from a war. Three from the army and two from the airforce. How my mother worried and how we all prayed for their safe return. My mother would package up food and various things to send to them. I remember writing letters in behalf of the entire family as my mother could speak broken English but certainly did not know how to write it.
I already have my red shirt ready to wear tomorrow! I emailed this story to everyone on my contact address book on my computer.
Thank you for sending this beautiful story.
Hugs, Rose
Hi Frank: I still have goose bumps from reading your story.
ReplyDeleteThat has to be one of the most heart warming stories I have ever read.
Thanks for sharing that with all of your classmates.
Take care. Janice Scandone