support our troops

[craigsam1985]

I RECENTLY RECIEVED THIS EMAIL FROM AN EX PAT NOW LIVING IN TEXAS WHO HAS 2 GRANDSONS IN THE US MARINES. MY BROTHER IS IN THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY AND DEPLOYING IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS SO PLEASE READ THIS AND REMEMBER WHAT THESE PEOPLE ARE WORKING FOR AND SOMETIMES PAYING FOR WITH THEIR LIVES - OUR FREEDOM

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

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.

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 deafening 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 homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
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.

[Sheila NZ]

I certainly hope our American and Canadia member see this and pass it on......I have painstakingly written it out and will be sending
to those unlucky people who do not belong to this forum

[Holly]

I HAD THIS MAIL TWO MONTHS GO SO IT IS DOING THE ROUNDS, NO DOUBT I WILL RECEIVE IT AGAIN. AND AGAIN I WILL POST IT ON.

[craigsam1985]

thanks guys xo

[oisin]

What's being asked of the troops in Afghanistan is ridiculously obscene. Rather than wearing red or supporting any other gimmick the best way of supporting them and their families is to bring them home.

[Holly]

To wear red and to support them by what i would call remembering them is all that i can do, indeed nothing would make me feel better than to see them all come home and never leave these shores again to fight or protect another country...Cat

[craigsam1985]

The fact is they are there. feel free to send care packages under 2kg should be free( in OZ anyway) of goodies to remind them of home.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/aussies-are-dying-as-federal-government-sits-on-cash-for-armour/story-fn5ko0pw-1225898712213

[oisin]

Yes, the troops are there but politicians being what they are - politicians - they will interpret support for the troops as support for them. Would it not be better to support a movement to bring them home? Of course, it's up to individual Aussies to decide want they want to do for there troops but, here in the UK, regarding sending parcels because the government that wastes billions on Trident etc. can't supply them with their soldiers with their basic needs... Count me out!!!

[craigsam1985]

i understand your position, I am utterly disgusted by pollies wasting taxpayers money on the most useless ideas etc and well just generally disgusted by them.
you are obviously passionate about this and that's fine. But there is no conscription and no national service anymore - in my country anyway - so it's just a way of saying we appreciate your sacrifices. Maybe I have personalised this too much because I have relatives in the defense forces.....