Will You give this to my Daddy?

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 every-day for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear of 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 self-lessness 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 continues this Friday and each 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.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.

IF YOU COULD CARE LESS, THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON -- IT IS YOUR
CHOICE!

Done and done!

Thank you Wasbeeman your an officer and a gentleman, you would not believe all the negative responences i have received about this, saying it was BS and had been on the net for 6 years, one forum i posted it on deleted it, i couldnt believe it, i thought as Americans we had more respect for our men and women in the military, guess it takes all kinds.

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saying it was BS and had been on the net for 6 years, one forum i posted it on deleted it, i couldnt believe it, i thought as Americans we had more respect for our men and women in the military, guess it takes all kinds.

Respect for our troops is one thing, but that should not override our respect for the truth. Please source SW Airline's official support for "Red Friday." This message has been making the rounds in one form or another since at least 2005 and supposedly was originally for Canadian troops.

outstanding, simply outstanding - semper fi

I don't know if the story is true or not. I don't care. It might have happened exactly as written or it may be a composite of several events but I would like to believe that it's true and that's good enough for me.
I do know for a fact that in various airports when troops are returning home, groups of people (not family) will go to the airport and welcome them back. You know, make them feel that their efforts are appreciated and worthwhile. And I think that is a very fine thing.

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I do know for a fact that in various airports when troops are returning home, groups of people (not family) will go to the airport and welcome them back. You know, make them feel that their efforts are appreciated and worthwhile. And I think that is a very fine thing.

Absolutely.

My current work situation requires me to travel by air some... not a whole lot, but several times a year. I made the conscious decision several years ago to personally stop and thank as many of our returning and deploying military personnel as I could when I found them in airports.

The response has always been heartwarming: from the predictable "Semper Fi, sir" to "proud to do it, sir; thank you", and similar.

I sincerely believe these professionals do not receive the support and expressions of gratitude they should, or as often as they should. What I do is nowhere close to enough, but I do it when I can, as I have opportunity.

And without exception, I am always thanked for doing something so incredibly simple. I wish more folks did this. Judging from the reactions I have received, it means a lot to these defenders of our liberty and freedom...

whether or not the above story is true or not, heres a group that does meet returning soldiers and welcome them home... www.patriotguard.org ..