RyanMac 185 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 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 biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters 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 British RED FRIDAYS Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Men 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 British 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 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. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackkipper 1 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Support The Troops! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TannochsideBear 355 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 What a fantastic heart-warming story, that has me welling up here. Tomorrow, and every Friday from now on, the red tie shall be worn with the suit to work. A small gesture, I know, but if everyone done something similar..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
david271994 0 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Support The Troops! Exactly they should be supported and treated like kings IMO when they come home. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueIsTheColour 35 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 What a brilliant story, truly inspirational. The article is right, the silent majority who love this counry and support our troops need to stand up and be heard. These rebels and extremists who wish harm on our brave young men and their families need to be drowned out. I'll certainly be cheering my heart out when they are paraded at Ibrox on Sunday, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TannochsideBear 355 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I had forgotten there that there are another great bunch of our heroes being paraded at Ibrox on Sunday. Looks like another huge lump in the throat again. That last time the soldiers were on was the best moment of the season for me. The feeling of pride, not only in our soldiers but in the way our support really got behind them and cheered them, is one I will remember for a long number of years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueIsTheColour 35 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I had forgotten there that there are another great bunch of our heroes being paraded at Ibrox on Sunday. Looks like another huge lump in the throat again. That last time the soldiers were on was the best moment of the season for me. The feeling of pride, not only in our soldiers but in the way our support really got behind them and cheered them, is one I will remember for a long number of years. Me too mate, it was extremely moving. No doubt it will be the same again on Sunday. And this time the soldiers are coming from all over Britain and are not just Rangers fans. So it will be good PR for the supporters and will go a long way to disproving the myths attached to our fanbase. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nieto24 2 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 you might have warned me about the story sitting readin this in work with everyone in the office wondering why av got tears running down my cheeks !! but a quality story ! SUPPORT THE TROOPS Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear 25 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#...gid=70891052163 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumshie 205 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Support The Troops! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Deacon 57,478 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 call me a cynic but the story seems a little fabricated Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
minstral 5,375 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Great Story. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperRangers 2 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Did seem a bit far fetched but i still enjoyed it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimfanciesthedude 25,694 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 who cares if the story was true or not the meaning is clear, some of the bravest men you will ever see in your life every soldier deserves our respect Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRICKY1872 118 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I'm currently serving in the RAF and to be honest we don't even get decent support from within our own organisation half the time. America's attitude to their troops is like night and day to ours, they can't do enough for them. Any public support is always appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Railcard 2 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I'm currently serving in the RAF and to be honest we don't even get decent support from within our own organisation half the time. America's attitude to their troops is like night and day to ours, thye can't do enough for them. Any public support is always appreciated. Take note Scotland the troops Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny 9 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 call me a cynic but the story seems a little fabricated So I ain't the only cynic around heh. I didn't actually believe any of it though it was a nice tale, true or not. But I do agree that our troops deserve recognition and support - given these guys and gals are putting their lives on the line while we happily sit playing games on our PS3. It's because they DO put their lives on the line that we CAN play our PS3. And that's amazingly valuable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dado 334 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 We support the troops! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budswiser 196 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 call me a cynic but the story seems a little fabricated What would anyone gain from fabricating such a story? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JordanRangers 4 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Story brought a tear to my eye Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hammer 11 2,879 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 http://www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark. 69 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Our heroes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny 9 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 call me a cynic but the story seems a little fabricated What would anyone gain from fabricating such a story? Attention. A little dramatic license helps their cause and if their story is believed it will inspire folk to buy into their campaign. Nothing wrong with a few white lies in order to drum up support for a good cause, but I wouldn't take the basic story at face value. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coopermania 1 Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Nice story. Yes, we should all support the troops. This poster hits the nail on the head I think. Red Friday it is Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andypendek Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 How does that hit any nail? Either support something you may not agree with, or take someone on in a fight? The sort of macho posturing that led Blair to go into Iraq and Afghanistan in the first place. Anyone who disagrees with the actions of our government in their foreign policy adventures generally avoids disrespect to the troops who do the actual fighting, but I'm uncomfortable with the applaud our troops or fuck off attitude that's gaining currency. Britain now seems to be an 'either wear your heart on your sleeve or there's something wrong with you' type of place. I shall keep my tears well and truly in check, just the same, and my opinions on those who carry out political will by other means equally to myself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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