This was posted by our very own aprilbee years ago.
It deserves a re-post as a reminder to us all.
:)

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thegratitudecampaign

It's not about politics.
It's about service and sacrifice.
It's about gratitude.

Give them a sign.
Say thank you.

Nothing wrong with that - I love it.

But I prefer to deliver a big "thank you" out loud in my straight up baritone. Twice, I've rallied the support of those around me in an airport like the Budweiser commercial.

Stand straight, stand tall and put your hands together for a line of uniformed soldiers walking by. You may be surprised at just how many people will join you. Sometimes folks just need someone to give them a kick start.

Marc

oh Marc...you are so right.

    I was in an airport when a troop came in and sat down.  several folks said a few things to them but when their flight was called..one man stood up and saluted as they walked to the gate..  It was obvious he was Viet Nam era and had gone through hell only to come back to hateful crowds.

I stood up as did most of the people around me.  Someone actually started singing battle hymm of the republic.  (they were Marines) It was a moment in time I will never ever forget.  As they went to their gate to board they all had smiles on their faces. I remember thinking I hope they were going home and NOT to a second tour of duty.

Thanks for the reminder.  I always make it a point to say thanks when I see our servicepeople, but then I have a little more impetus to me than most. ;)  I'm proud of my sons, and when someone else recognizes and thanks them it means a lot to me too.

Also, Please make it a point to say thank you to our veterans.  As Linda said, many of our Viet Nam vets never got a thank you or a welcome home.  I'll never forget meeting the man wearing a !st Cav (1st Cavalry Air Mobile) cap.  I walked up to him, shook his hand, and said "Thank You and welcome home."  He and his wife walked on and about 5 minutes later he came back in the truck stop and looked for me, grabbed my hand and I thought was going to break it.  He had tears running down his cheeks as he said thanks for saying that.  His wife told me he got to his truck and cried.  He had NEVER been told thanks for what he had done.  This was 42 years after he had served in Viet Nam. 

I know I've told that story before, but I think it bears repeating.  It doesn't matter what your political views are or what you thought of the Viet Nam war or any other.  These men and women swear an oath to defend our country against all enemies both foreign and domestic then put their lives on the line.  I don't know who it was who first said it although I've tried to find attribution, but "A Marine's sole purpose is to take a bullet for a civilian."  Please think of that next time you see one of our young people in uniform. 

To our veterans, I'll say it again:  Thank you!

Jerry

Yeah...it's only a movie...and yeah, just an actor...portraying a disgraced Marine who says some awful things...and I don't live in a fantasy world....but, it lifts me out of my seat every time:

Col. Jessep: Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom.  You have the luxury of not knowing what I know..... my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.

Jerry...I am only a LITTLE less proud of your sons than you are...as I haven't earned it....and I cannot begin to imagine the anguish you and yours go through worrying about them. "They also serve who sit and wait"...I don't forget them....I don't forget you....

Best,

Jon

So, so true. No, I do not have a son , daughter, mother or father serving but  one cusin and 2 very close friends. So, I do still worry. Whetther or not you support the cause. I truly, believe that you HAVE TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE SERVING FOR US

Pfunk 8-)