I’ve seen spontaneous welcome home airport scenes like this three separate times. Everyone of them had me wiping tears. The looks of surprise, gratitude, and pride in the soldiers’ faces was beyond powerful. There’s not a uniform in my field of sight that’s ever allowed to pass without a simple, “Thanks for your service.”
Wanna make your year? The next time you see a small (large?) group of soldiers in a restaurant, quietly pick up their tab. Do it anonymously, ‘cuz it’s about them, not us. Every opportunity to show our heartfelt appreciation should be acted upon.
You may never know the impact a simple act of appreciation might have on a returning soldier. They’ve more than earned our respect and admiration. Openly demonstrating our appreciation for the sacrifices they’ve made is, in my mind, an obligation we share as Americans, as we benefit from the freedom for which they put their lives on the line.
The first video is a much viewed airport scene of a spontaneous response to soldiers returning home.
The next video is, in my opinion, the all time best rendition of our Star Spangled Banner. At the end, when she’s walking off, watch and listen to the sound of freedom in a fly over. I’ve never heard it done better, and I’d like to hear your thoughts — on both videos.
Thanks you to all the military folks out there, and the veterans who’ve made my life of freedom possible. I’m forever in your debt.
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Jeff,
The sound of freedom is like the wind that rises out of the forest, stirs the air, and then blows by you with a refreshing touch you simply cannot describe.
You call for us to take action, giving to soldiers from afar and anonymously, and that is a noble and good cause. I will seek those opportunities to come alongside my comrades, and thank you for your thoughts.
Great suggestion on picking up the tab; we’ve done it a few times and it’s been a great teaching moment for our kids.
Don — Thank you for your service.
Your description of the sound of freedom is moving.
Mark — Our kids watching us demonstrate our gratitude to the military leaves indelible impressions.