September 29, 2004

SALUTE

I heard a wonderful story, via my favorite reservist, that I am printing here with his permission. It's an anecdote from Kuwait when he was leaving Iraq for his R&R:

This morning at around 0530, I was walking to breakfast. I noticed the flag raising detail was in place but haven't heard any music so I kept walking. I passed a First Sergeant that was standing at attention and in front of him, a Marine, also at attention. I snapped to attention next to him and remarked that I had not heard any music. The First Sergeant relaxed and said that it hadn't started yet. So we both continued to walk towards the Dining Facility.

I pointed to the Marine still standing there at attention. The First Sergeant called over that it was still going to be a few more minutes if he wanted to keep walking. The Marine looked over and said, "No, I'm going to wait. It's been a long time since I've seen our flag raised."

That stopped me immediately. It has been a long time since I've seen our flag raised as we're prohibited from flying the Stars and Stripes in Iraq. I turned to the First Sergeant and said, "He's right, I'm waiting." A few minutes later the music started. The three of us snapped to attention and saluted.

Posted by Sarah at September 29, 2004 08:55 AM
Comments

And long may she wave. Thanks Sarah.

Posted by: Kathleen A at September 29, 2004 12:36 PM

When we finished the POW bit in survival school, we were called to attention by the "Camp Commandant". We didn't know we were done until he gave us an about face. The American flag was flying instead of the one for People's Democratic Republic.

I can't describe that feeling.

Posted by: Mike at September 29, 2004 01:23 PM

Here is some very good news about our soldiers in Iraq.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0921/p02s02-usmi.html

Posted by: dc at September 29, 2004 08:55 PM

I feel a bit like that everytime I come back into the US and see flags flying everywhere. It's HOME.

And dc, that is very good news. I'd say the fact that most of our soldiers are too smart to be taken in by DNC talking points is a very good thing. You just gave me even more hope for our future!

Posted by: Lyana at September 30, 2004 03:44 AM

Thank you for this wonderful anecdote. It warmed my heart.

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;)

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