Not everything is less important than Rugby.
This is a bit of a read but worth it.
Just got it as an email, a bit of a read but worth it I feel.
This is not intended to be a discussion about the current political situations around the world, purely a recognition of the work Australia's sons and daughters do right around the globe every day in some of the most "difficult" circumstances imaginable.
Let's make sure that the disgraceful way that "we" treated the Vietnam Vets is never revisited on those who are simply doing their work and doing their duty.
From the daughter of a Soldier.
Last week I was in Melbourne 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 Australian 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 11 months now. As
the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed
her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily
single mom 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 mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. 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 an Australian.
RED FRIDAYS:
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The
reason? Australian's 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 over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to
reflect our message or our opinions.
Many Australian's, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to
recognize that the vast majority of Australia 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 Australian
who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Australia 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 Australians 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.
THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- Lest we Forget.
