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Flight delay

bczoom

Super Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home.

With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on my issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together.

I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself.

Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed.

The entire plane let out a collective groan.

She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be
more than 5 minutes.

The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that I was finally going to be on my way home.

Why the hoopla over "these" folks?

I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up.. Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited
voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq !!!

Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause.

The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats.

They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her.

The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, I was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.

These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life.

I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a
request for everyone to remain in their seats until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.

The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off, and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms.

I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say, "Thank You for a job well done."

I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

WELCOME HOME!
AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!
 

thcri

Gone But Not Forgotten
Wow, you brought tears to my eyes. Yeah right in front of everbody at work.

Your right we do take everything for granted especially our freedom. I think it was great to allow them off the plane first.


murph
 

Archdean

New member
Very refreshing, thank you for posting that!

Perhaps America is begining to understand what the cost of freedom is all about!!

Upon returning from my last combat assignment some 26 years ago we had tears in our eyes also and it wasn't from being lavished upon with cheers!!

Dean
 

HarryG

New member
That makes the heart feel good. Real good.
 

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bczoom

Super Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
Yea... as already mentioned, I got teary eyed.

Ahhh, come on guys... this one has got to be worth at least one reputation point. I haven't gotten a point in 45 days (which says a lot about my other posts).
 

thcri

Gone But Not Forgotten
bczoom said:
Yea... as already mentioned, I got teary eyed.

Ahhh, come on guys... this one has got to be worth at least one reputation point. I haven't gotten a point in 45 days (which says a lot about my other posts).


Brian,

I would give you one but I am not sure on how to do it? Otherwise you got one coming from me in my book.

And I don't know how long it has been for me to get one.:pat::pat:

murph
 
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bczoom

Super Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
thcri said:
I would give you one but I am not sure on how to do it?
Murph,
To post reputation for others
In the top right corner of each post is a pic of a scale. Click on that to add (or subtract) with an optional comment to a poster's reputation.

To view your reputation details:
On the top of every page (in the blue bar), on the left side click on "User CP".
In the body of the page you should see "Latest Reputation Received". That'll provide details as to your points (top right corner of that section) as well as any comments posted by others.

Brian
 

Archdean

New member
bczoom said:
Yea... as already mentioned, I got teary eyed.

Ahhh, come on guys... this one has got to be worth at least one reputation point. I haven't gotten a point in 45 days (which says a lot about my other posts).

OK Brian , I gave you one "I can't stand the whining any more"":D

Dean
 

thcri

Gone But Not Forgotten
bczoom said:
Murph,
To post reputation for others
In the top right corner of each post is a pic of a scale. Click on that to add (or subtract) with an optional comment to a poster's reputation.
Brian


Oh wow I remember now. Off I go to give a point.


murph
 

bczoom

Super Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
I also see someone has also given a thread rating of 5-stars. I wholeheartedly concur but need to reiterate that the original post (although my sentiment), aren't my words. I received it in an e-mail.

BTW - If any of you reading this thread haven't read the starting post... you should. It's worth it.

Brian
 

HarryG

New member
bczoom said:
I also see someone has also given a thread rating of 5-stars. I wholeheartedly concur but need to reiterate that the original post (although my sentiment), aren't my words. I received it in an e-mail.

BTW - If any of you reading this thread haven't read the starting post... you should. It's worth it.

Brian

Maybe that "someone" believes we don't hear enough of stories like this.
Thank you for posting it.
Regards, HarryG
 
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