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RMA Rough Rider Association Message Forum

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A Day of Honor

My Fellow Cadets. Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine
Sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but I didn't put two & two together.

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited
to sit in 1st 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 & 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 & 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 & 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, & are voicing our love for God, country
& home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or
overbearing.

Many Americans, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America
supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity& support for our troops
with dignity & respect starts this Friday -- & continues until the troops
all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American
who supports our men & 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
everyone who loves our Country will share this, 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 & your prayers." Let's get the
word out, by example, & wear something red every Friday.
Many of us Cadets wore the uniform so lets show our support.

Lloyd E. Young Sr. USA Retired

Re: A Day of Honor

Thank you for shareing this with us. Let us Honor all our military, past, present, and future. We should never forget what they risked or are now risking or will risk to keep us free.

Gene Shalander Sr.

Re: Re: A Day of Honor

What an inspiring story.Even thought, I'm not an Amercan I have two sons that are. I recognize, as well many other people, the great job the men a women of the Arm Forces,are doing, not only for AMERICA, but for the rest of the FREE WORLD. May GOD bless, guide, and watch over all.

Steve 66