huskernation20 Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Red Shirt Friday If the Red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man... Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. No, he responded. Heading out I asked? No. I'm escorting a soldier home. Going to pick him up? No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family. The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do. Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.' Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So here's a public 'Thank You' to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do. 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 overbearing. 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, coworkers, 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 prayers and your support.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. Jesus died for your soul; the soldier for your freedom. Quote Link to comment
BIGREDIOWAN Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 WOW! Powerful stuff....................thank you soldiers for everything you do and the sacrifices you are making and may have to make. Quote Link to comment
T_O_Bull Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Thank you "huskernation20." I'd like your permission to take your post to my local newspaper and have it printed. T_O_B Quote Link to comment
Husker Hunyock Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 http://www.snopes.com/politics/war/redfriday.asp Looks like the Red Shirt Fridays was started in Canada back in '06, though I'm sure that it is still a nice way to show your support. I also like the mention of the Cornhuskers and "The Sea of Red." Don't forget to donate to such good orgs as the USO and others as well though. Quote Link to comment
huskernation20 Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 I did get it from a forwarded email. So use it all you want TOB! Quote Link to comment
Micheal Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 very powerful story there, good to show our support for our men and women overseas and all that they do for us Quote Link to comment
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