I recieved an eamil today asking for a show of support for our troops. After reading it once again with a tear in my eye I felt the least I could do was to pass the message on as the writer requested of me.
If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man... while traveling to Toronto on business.
I noticed an army 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 Afganistan, 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 Toronto , 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 Canadian Armed Forces 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 a Canadian. 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.
Canadians who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority but are no longer silent, and are voicing their love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
They are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Canadians simply want to recognize and show support for our troops. The idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home.
A Sea of Red
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Canada on every Friday a Sea of Red much like a homecoming Hockey game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the Canada 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 and your prayers.'
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
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