I don't know how you all feel about the war and our position with it but.....THIS really caught my heart.....

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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 through 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
We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal
media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. 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 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 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.

Spud,

Did you know I needed a good cry. I could barely finish reading it. I grew up in a military family and grew up having Great pride in our Country and our Soldiers for everything they do, wether it is liked by the majority or not.. I was fortunate that my father did not have to be shipped to Desert Storm years ago. But I watched him send his students over which was heartbreaking. I currently have family members overseas in combat and pray for them daily, that GOD will bring them home safely. We have already lost a few friends in all this. I will definatley be wearing red every Friday.

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS AND KEEP THEM SAFE. AS THEY ARE IN MY FAMILIES PRAYERS EVERYDAY.

Thanks for bringing such a beautiful Story.

My eyes welled up as well. Although I have read this story before it moves me every time. I do not personally know anyone close in the Military but feel for all of those who do have family and friends there. I pray that everyone can come home safely soon.

That was an amazing story. So many times we take for granted this country and need to continue to pray for those who leave all to protect us here.

May they get the support and return they deserve. Thanks for that Spud. It keeps us all focused to know what is really reality.

Sometimes you need to fight or be conquered. Protect the innocent and help those in need.
I was an air force brat, so I can understand a little.

Peace to our soldiers and Gods protection on those when they are away.

as a military brat, I get choked up as well. Honestly, it shouldnt matter what side you fall on politically, you should always support the troops. While i personally dont agree with Bush and I was raised Republican, I still show my support for those men and women who do put their lives on the line when they are told to. Not of us have the ability to do the same, but we can always support them and their families. And this should be done all the time not just during war-time. These members of the military make very little for what they are willing to give up. In most cases, the families fall in the poverty category. Yet they continue to serve their country and us. No matter what you feel about Iraq, show the military support and respect for the difficult jobs they must do.

jax

Let me start by saying Thank You for sharing the story it truly touched my heart. Iam an ex-marine and more proud of it than probably anything I've ever done next to my children and serving God . Let me say that what these men and women not boys and girls are doing is exceptional in all aspects and they should always be respected in the highest regard. I will go one step further and say for all who read this, you don't have to agree with the Gov. or the way the war is going or even why we're there, but as long as you and your family get to breathe free air and enjoy the things in life that most of us take for granted please never cheapen what our soldiers are doing or are willing to do to perserve our way of life.
Thank You
Dan Justus
Quote: Once a Marine, always a Marine Semper Fi- Always Faithful

Well said! I watch more and more on the news just what is going on and all I can think of is how proud I am of our military. They are serving honorably. One's support for the military should never be tied to the government. And while there are always a few rotten eggs, there are so many more decent men and women who uphold their positions with dignity.

Jax

I have been a patriot all my life. As long as I can remember. I hated to see flags being burned by people who live in America, and don't support her core founding fathers statements.

I will also support red friday. Thanks for the post Spud.

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I cried as soon as I saw this. We must remember our soldiers at this time. They need our prayers more than anything right now. God Bless America and our men and women who fight and die for us.

With 9/11 coming up, it tears my heart out every year. I remember where I was at that time. I heard about this and I immediately feared for my son. You see, he was a Marine at that time in San Diego. I was terrified for him and all the other soldiers I knew were going to have to stand up for our country...to defend our freedom. And they have done it....they have kept us safe once again. It's a shame that mankind cannot live and let live. That they feel they have to make every one else on Earth believe the way they believe. How can they call themselves Christians when they kill innocent people and cause so much destruction and sadness. This is not how Christians are. We are people who live and let live. Live, LOVE and let live and love.
God bless you All. Please be safe!

It is great when we take the time to thank those that have served in any branch, for any reason. For they are all a team and allow us to have the Liberties we so easily take for granted.

My heart bleeds evertime I hug my children and remember and give thanks for those that allow me that opportunity to do it in peace.

I am gratefull and overwhelmed at their courage and dedication to this country. So many say that "Why are we their?"

But ask any soldier on any day that has been there and they have told me they would do it again to help the people to free them from that tyrant and to be given the opportunity to make a free choice.

They have seen the wickedness face to face, we get it filtered through politics and the media.

Thank you Soldiers of Valor.

Spud