Support Our Soldiers!

I recently read a story in support and admiration of the American soldier. It's one of many stories that I've read similar to this, here it goes:

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.

I've read at least a few dozen stories in my time that hale the bravery and the sacrifice of the American soldier. This one, like I think every one of them, touches on the freedoms and rights that each American has to pursue what they desire in the great ol'U.S. of A. Just like this story, all of the stories are usually well written and often even bring my eyes close to watering. I appreciate the people, I appreciate the stories, but I think there is more that should be said here. Each of us should pause for a moment and ask ourselves when was the last time we felt the same reverence for the God that gave each of these men and women life, and gave each of us life in the first place.

I used to be agnostic and my step father was in the military (he's now retired). So, as a military brat I understand more than many (but less than some) the sacrifices of those like my step father (Vietnam Vet) and the families they have to leave behind. However, as a once agnostic; I have learned if anything, including the love for one's country or it's people, brings equal or more frequent admiration in the hearts and minds of someone, than the God that gave them that life in the first place, then our greatest reflections and admirations are misplaced. ... Today (as long as it is called today) let's redirect those misplaced admirations to the one that gave us life. And even more-so lets focus on the life of Christ that was given for what we so undeservingly have the opportunity now to receive if we are willing.