airtwardo 6 #1 August 28, 2003 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". I took for granted 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 !!!!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #2 August 28, 2003 You gave me chills reading that... My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #3 August 28, 2003 Wow! That is too cool. Sure brought a tear to my eye.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #4 August 28, 2003 Reading your post is encouranging to thank all those people who have gone great lengths to do something most of us, comfortably at home take for granted. THanks for sharing this with us."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #5 August 28, 2003 I appreciate you sharing that. Its nice to have things put into perspective every once in awhile. dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 212 #6 August 28, 2003 QuoteI was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up......... Sounds like that was exactly what you got.I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #7 August 28, 2003 QuoteYou know... You're right! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tictoc 0 #8 August 28, 2003 QuoteWow! That is too cool. Sure brought a tear to my eye. Me as well. I wish I could find an avital for a salute.-------------------------------------------------------- Some one must go to the edge for others to be able to find it. But if you go be sure you can make it back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #9 August 29, 2003 Just a ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 3 #10 August 29, 2003 Jim, You have always been good with a story, but this time you went above and beyond good. Thanks for reminding us that there is a reason we can be selfish assholes. MichaelMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racenic 0 #11 August 29, 2003 I spent the evening laughing at a comedy show featuring Carlos Mencia (absolutely a funny comic) I come home at the first post I read is this. Reality at it's finest. Thank you so much for bringing tears to my eyes. Very touching story thanks for sharing! ND Nick D The key to Immortality is- first living a life worth remembering” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #12 August 29, 2003 Quote Reality at it's finest Quote Yeah...hit ME that way too! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sducoach 0 #13 August 29, 2003 Thank you.James 4:8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
