I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow
their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a
long, uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving people
taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never
paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply
shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was
anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my"
issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to
get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the
"Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know
it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall
crap to break the monotony.
With everyone finally seated, we just sat there
with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we
were well past the schedule take off time. No wonder the airline industry
is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to
inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective
groan. She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some
very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't
be more than 5 minutes. The word came after waiting six as long as we
were promised that "I" was finally going to be on my way home. Why
the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity
or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up.........Just get their butts
in a seat and let’s hit the gas I thought.
The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice
that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!!
Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The
men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they
searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by
almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down
the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed
by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.
When we were finally airborne, "I" was
not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in
"me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the
remote in my hand. These men had done for all of us and I had been
complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues. I
took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the
American way of life I took for granted others paid the price for my ability to
moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" those Heroes
going home to their loved ones. I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in
order and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant that she
announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until
our hero's were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.
The cheers and applause continued until the last
Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted
everyday freedoms......... I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a
privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say Thank You for a
job well done. I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the
lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active
servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot
because they are no longer with us. GOD BLESS AMERICA! WELCOME HOME! AND
THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!
~~ Unknown