Saturday, July 2, 2011

Red shirt day for Australia - Why not get involved!

I received this as an email and I thought that it warranted further exposure.

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for one
man...

Last week, while travelling to Brisbane on business, I noticed an army
sergeant travelling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two
together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd
been invited to sit in Business Class (across from me), and inquired if he
was heading home.

'No', he responded.

'Going home', I asked?

'No. I'm escorting a soldier home.'

'Going to pick him up?'

'No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Afghanistan ; I'm taking
him home to his family.'

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a Rock to
the head. (I felt sick in the stomach) It was an honour for him. He told me that,
although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the
soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, 'Thank you. Thank you
for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.' He took my hand and
said "Thank You Ma'am"

Upon landing in Brisbane , the pilot stopped short of the gate and made
the following announcement over the intercom.

'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honour
of having Sergeant Jamison of the Royal Australian Army join us on this
flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask
that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to
allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We
will then turn off the seat belt sign.'

Without a sound, all went as requested.. I noticed the sergeant
saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action
made me realize that I am proud to be a Australian.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you
do so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday.
The reason; Australians who support our troops used to be called the
'silent majority.' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love
for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not
organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Australians, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to
recognize that the vast majority of Australians 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
red-blooded Australian who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Australia every Friday a
sea of red much like an AFL Grand final game in the MCG Stands. 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 Australia 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. Don't let this be like it was for our poor Vietnam Vets

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.


IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON..

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