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?
Englishmen 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 English 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.
Lest we Forget.
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Comments
crying now................
Just finished watching Ross Kemp in Afghanistan last night too, gave me renewed respect for the guys out there.
I was talking to my mate's brother the other day who is an ex-commando and had been in Afghanistan until recently. He had been to his best mate's funeral a fortnight before after he was killed by an IED. Apparently, it was (well hidden) in a wheelbarrow being pushed by a mentally retarded boy who was told to push it towards where the soldiers were standing. One of the soldiers saw the lad and took pity on him - he then went to help him. At that point, some excuse for a human being on a nearby hill detonated the device. They were not the only casualties.
This is the kind of thing they have to put up with, and the kind of enemy they are fighting. People need to understand this.
They have my complete and utter respect and it must be horrible for their families back home.
I'm feeling very morose now, but I am also starting to think what red things I have that I can wear on Friday...
No idea if it's true, but it doesn't really matter, a great piece.
Surely they were British Soldiers and a lot of Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish troops do their bit too (a hell of a bit!).
Don't want to spoil what is a great post but I had to ask
Exactly, the point is the sentiment being expressed and getting some recognition for those who are out in Afghanistan etc.
This has apparently also done the rounds in Canada.
As with any iffy looking e-mail it's best to check Snopes.com to see if it's a hoax or not:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/war/redfriday.asp
Surely they were British Soldiers and a lot of Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish troops do their bit too (a hell of a bit!).
Don't want to spoil what is a great post but I had to ask[/quote]
Yeah your right DFT changed it to British
I was in support til i saw the bit above you!
Feck it I'll do it anyway...
This has seriously worried me. I've just supplied my banking details to the son of the King of Nigeria because he needs to rest $100M in my account until next weekend, due to corruption. I'm begining to wonder if George is on the level, now.
Call me cynical, but don't be surprised to see 'official' Red Friday merchandise appearing next.
What?
http://www.joniindustries.com/redshirtfridays/
It already has?
I gave to this young man as i think he is an absolute inspiration raising money for help the heroes.
Ben McBean
So what is the score? Did it happen to you? because that's how it looks in your post....
The truth would be nice.
canada and australia too - linky here
Spoof or not it was sent to me without all the send it on and your be rich or get bad luck if it come with that it would have been deleted and not read
Also agree would like to helpwith £££
But spoof or not the words are good and very true
With a like to help the heroes
So no reason why you cant wear red and still give
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=70891052163&ref=nf
A message on there from one of our Heroes
"I have been to both Iraq and Afghanistan on tour in the last 4 years. Support at home means alot to the soldiers, sailers and airmen who go over there on tour. For uneducated people to call us baby killers ect (Luton) is unforgivable, 64 years ago soldiers like me gave these people the right for freedom of speech and they re-pay us like this, they have not been to these countries and seen the work we have done and are doing over there, wear something red on Friday and make us think that we are wanted and supported."
http://www.redfridays.ca/