Those young brave American men and women in today’s military will NOT go through the same treatment
unclewest,
A tiny story--
Last weekend we flew to Atlanta for a wedding. As my husband was getting the rental car, which took forever, I wandered down the concourse. There was a large group of people gathered at the head of what I think must have been the international arrival escalator. Suddenly applause broke out, voices shouted, "Welcome home, Soldier!". A second later, I could see the young man emerge from escalator, dressed in those camos they wear, with his pack over his shoulder. He grinned shyly, ducking his head, a little embarrassed, but pleased. I stood there for half an hour, joining in with the applause, shouting Welcome home and thank you! to the soldiers as they arrived.
After a few minutes, a slightly older man came up the escalator. He hugged his wife, and then she stepped aside and he knelt down. A little girl, about three years old, was standing several feet away with her grandmother, and staring shyly at the big strange man. He made no quick moves, but started to talk to her quietly. She started to inch forward, and finally, he opened his arms and she ran to him. The crowd had been watching this little drama and broke into huge cheers. Then the mother handed him an infant whom I doubt he had ever seen except in pictures.
When I tearfully told Dan about it (he works for an airline) he said DFW does the same thing, and he imagines all around the country this goes on. The USO sponsors the official greeters and a little gift, but the crowds just form on their own around the families and friends.
Watching that soldier who had given up a year of his life with his young family for his country, was deeply moving.
Perhaps we won't forget the travesty of what we did to our young men from Vietnam and will do better this time around. |
