Memorial Day Thoughts

I've been thinking about Memorial Day and its meaning, and it brought to mind a trip to Georgia a few years back. I'd been in Atlanta for a week attending the gift market and was ready to get home. But, severe thunderstorms in the area had caused many flight cancellations and delays. When I checked in I was disappointed to discover that my flight had been cancelled and I'd been switched to another flight not scheduled to depart until many hours later.

Frustrated, I made the long walk to a different gate that was a good 15 gates from where my original flight was to board. When I arrived at the gate, I became exhausted at the mere sight of all the people jammed in like sheep. All the seats were full, many people were sitting on the floor, leaning against the walls, sitting on railings, crying babies, you get the picture. But, amidst the entire chaos one thing jumped out......there were dozens and dozens of Servicemen dressed in their fatigues. I later discovered that they were returning from Iraq and headed to Ft. Hood. My heart was so full to see so many passengers go out of their way to visit with the Servicemen and extend gratitude for their dedication to our country.

I pulled up my pilot case to use it as a make-shift seat and a short while later began chatting with one of the Servicemen about his family. As we were talking, a little boy that couldn't have been any older than 5 or 6, approached a Servicemen that was sitting across from us.  The little boy asked, "So, do you have to do a lot of push-ups?" He said, "Well, we sure do". The little boy replied, "I know how to do push-ups". The Serviceman said with a grin, "Well, let’s see ‘em." This made the little boy very happy and he quickly dropped to the floor to show off his little boy push-ups. Then he rolled on one side, looked up and said, "Now you do some." The Serviceman looked over at his buddies and smiled and he dropped down face-to-face with the little boy and counted off 10 push-ups. As he counted off the number 10, he smiled back at the little boy and said, "Your turn again."

The two of them went back and forth for a few "push-up rounds" while the rest of us looked on. My words may not convey it, but it was a sweet moment that I will never forget. As I looked around, I made misty eye contact and exchanged smiles with several other passengers that were equally as touched. My delayed flight had become the best part of my trip.

Later, when we boarded the plane I was blessed to sit next to one of the many Servicemen aboard the flight. He was returning home from a second tour of duty in Iraq for a 14 day leave, and was eager to tell me about his wife and children that he hadn't seen for over a year. As I listened to him, I thought about how much I missed my family after only a week and it deepened my sense of the sacrifices these men and women make for all of us. I felt guilty about how much I take for granted.

Shortly after the plane took off, the pilot made an announcement to recognize the Military men and women on board and to thank them for their commitment. He asked God to bless them and everyone applauded them.......it was very sweet. My hats off to that American Airline's pilot for taking time to extend that sweet gesture.

Our family is honored to have many previous and present Servicemen and women. May each of us spend some time remembering the sacrifices that our Military personnel make for us every single day, and honor those that have given their lives for our country. May God bless them all and keep them safe.

Wishing you have a safe and happy holiday weekend.