Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#1
I had an email sent to me a few days ago and I sent it round to those on my email database.
I've had a few responses about it and I've been asked to put it on the Forum.
It's first and foremost about Patriotism - British Patriotism, but it could so easily be any country in the World - how that Country feels about its troops.
It may not be 100% true, but it's the sentiment behind it that I found so moving.
Here's my introduction to it and the email itself:
"Just had this come in and it brought a lump to my throat and wanted to share it with you - I hope you aren't offended.
Whether it is all true or not, the principle behind it is one to be proud of and I ask you to circulate it to all those you know, who have email and ask them to pass it on, ad infinitum.
Here it is - it's a good read:
"Last week I was in West London attending a conference
While I was in the airport returning home, I heard several people behind
me beginning to clap and cheer.
I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of
Patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms; as
they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was
abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering..
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them being applauded
and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone; I'm not the only red blooded
Briton who still loves this country and supports our troops and their
families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these
young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for
us so we can go to school work and enjoy our home without fear or
reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our
service men and women, a young girl not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up
to one of the male soldiers.
He knelt down and said 'hi' the little girl then asked him if he would
give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself said he
would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.
Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier gave him the
giggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now.
As the mum was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her
father the young soldier began to tear up.
When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation all of
the soldiers huddled together for a brief second.
Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking
walkie-talkie.
They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this the young soldier walked back over to
Courtney bent down and said this to her - 'I spoke to your daddy and he
told me to give this to you.'
He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on
the cheek.
He finished by saying 'Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you
more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'
The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.
I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed
their applause..
As I stood there applauding and looked around there were very few dry
eyes including my own.
That young soldier in one last act of moment, turned around and blew a kiss
to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices.
At the end of the day, it's good to be an Englishman/Scotsman/Welshman/Irishman.
RED FRIDAYS
Very soon you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday - the reason ?
Englishmen and women who support our troops used to be called the 'silent
majority.
We are no longer silent and are voicing our love for Country and home in
record breaking numbers.
We are not organized, boisterous, or over-bearing.
We get no liberal media coverage on TV to reflect our message, or our
opinions.
Many English people like you me and all our friends simply want to
recognize that the vast majority of Britain supports our troops.
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect, starts this coming Friday and continues each and every Friday until the
Troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every Briton who
supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, Press, TV - let's make Great Britain on every Friday, a
sea of red, much like a homecoming football team
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
Britain 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 COULD NOT CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! ---
Lest we Forget."
Thanks for reading.
Roger
#2
Dear God, Roger, the tears are on my face as we speak. If wearing red on Fridays is what it takes, I'll be wearing red this Friday. Thank you.
Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
#3
I would have welcomed this posting 30yrs ago but I still welcome it now.
I did go through something similar.
Thank you for bringing it up Roger and hope people catch on, I did recieve your e-mail.
I will wear red on Fridays.
Ian...
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
#4
OMG what a moving story, made me cry too. Let's do this small thing for our wonderful troops, after all they do so much more for us in risking their lives to keep us free.
Thank you Roger for letting us share this.
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
#5
Its my red tie on Friday then!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#6
Thanks everyone.
If you tell everyone you know and they tell everyone they know, this can grow into something very worthwhile for them.
Help for Hero's in deed.
Roger
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
#7
I dont have many red clothes .Vic did admire my red flowers on my linen line a few years ago .
Flower power it is then .
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
#8
That would be a good image on a sreen ??Would be removed for ever one way of winning .
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#9
When Roger sent me this a few days ago it inspired me to organise a Concert in the Townhall for the Help for Heroes.there will be more information over the next few days but it should be good and all profits going to H4H
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#10
I think this will be a sell-out John and full-marks for organising such an event.
Roger
#11
See - it can be done: the guys in the batcave all weekend, this, lots of good deeds going on given by selfless individuals for good causes. This is a good place to be.
#12
This saturday ( subject to weather) I will be putting up some more flags from 11am. It needed a longer ladder which I now have so any helpers welcome - same rules - visit Peter on completion!
D
Guest 658- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 660
#13
JHG just an idea if you go on the h4h website and contact them they will know which performers reduce their fees for h4h.
beer the food of the gods