It was our usual commute to an event, where we stand in line to get off the plane and hike over to the baggage claim to wait for our luggage. Throughout many of the airports where we have traveled, there have always been military personnel peppered throughout, waiting to catch their flight to their next mission or anxiously waiting to fly home into the arms of their loved ones. Although, while in our travels we nod in respect, stop and talk to them, and occasionally shake their hand and thank them, on this one day we got to witness a spontaneous act of pride and acknowledgement.
After getting our luggage, we were trekking through the baggage area toward our ground transportation area. I happen to notice a large number of military personnel gathered near one baggage carousel. It was like a sea of camouflage. Once the last green duffle bag was hurled over the soldier’s shoulder, they began to walk in a loose formation toward the exit doors. In that moment, I heard a single applaud and then many more chiming in. People around the baggage area dropped their luggage and stood up in recognition and began to clap. The sound of loud whistles blaring through the crowds as if they were at a football game. I saw a parent put his child on his shoulder pointing at the troops to explain to their child who then began to clap with the others. The crowd stood strong until the last solder left the doors and they were on their way… home perhaps or to the next mission for our country.
The next time you travel, start clapping and look our troops in the eye with deep respect and gratitude.
Here's a great visual example of this in the Budweiser Commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osTrMe76kes
Posted by: Hal Fischer | October 04, 2006 at 10:13 AM