Red FRIDAY

I don't know where my old man got this. As I read it though I got kicked back to '91, I was a little more hypie then in my thoughts towards 'Gulf War 1' and the crap that went on then. I also didn't know who to turn to to show that I supported our troops and yet did not agree with what our country was doing then. I still don't agree 100%. What pisses me off are those people who say they support the troops, who are of age, and don't go! I bite myself here because reflecting on this puts me in the hot seat. I didn't sign up either, now I'm too old.

If you support our troops, some of you have friends and family in the military do read on... do write them... do attend even the "Anti- (FitB)" protests (Ive attended a few & honestly they are hilarious these people don't know what's going on...) and get in the faces of those who don't give a FitB about freedom for everyone. Show your support every boisterous* way you can and even in ways you don't have to use words.

*write your government reps from the lowest levels to the highest levels of government, attend rallies, stick a flag in your window with your love one's pix, attend open houses, follow and follow up on the news, call/write to the editor, enlist.

To All....................

I normally do not forward unsolicited e-mail, but being ex-military and knowing what our troops are being asked to do, I felt compelled to forward the message. I am just sending the message. I have been moved to tears and hope this is not a joke. Too, many of our troops are coming home this way and they need to be honored. Please see below:

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL AND YOU SEE WHAT IS MEANT BY RED FRIDAY.
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 co nversations 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 support and your prayers." Let's get the word out
and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
something red every Friday.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.
IF YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!

-PN-
This does sound like an urban legend but it does have the necessary items in it to sound true. I would not be surprised if it is. If not it is an event that is taking place all to often these days.