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 immedately 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 there camo's as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone)was abruptly to their there feet with their hands waving and cheering. when I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheering. For it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm the only red blooed 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 than proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran to one of the male soldiers. he kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give somthing to her daddy for
her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than 22 years old, 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 a the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courteny, 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 dauther, courtny,missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
when this temporarily single mom was done explaini ng her situation,all of the soldiers huddled together for a few seconds. then one of the other serversmen 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 backed over to courtney,bentdown 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 to ell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very sooon ".
the mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldler stood to his feet he saluted courtney and her mom . i was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.as the soldiers begane to leave,heading toward there gate,people resumed their applause.as i stood there applouding and looking around,there were very few dry eyes ,including my own.that young soldier inone last act of selflessness,turned around and blew a kiss to courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
we need to remerber everday all of our soldiers and their familys and thank god for them and their
sacrifices.at he end of the day its good to be an american.
