soldiers - be proud

mancity101

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I received this email - have copied and posted for your comments, I agree, especially the proud to be English ( I am English not British)

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 of 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 daughter’s 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 an Englishman.

**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.
*
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON

IF YOU COULD NOT CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.

IT IS YOUR CHOICE.

THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED----

**
**Lest we Forget.
 

Macster

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Nice story, nice sentiments, and my support for the poor souls who are fighting is undoubted.

Just dont get me started on whether I think they should be there.

If you want sentiment and emotion, I suggest, no.......recccomend, that you watch the film 'Taking Chance', starring Kevin Bacon.

Its a true story of a Marine who offers his services to escort the body of a KIA US serviceman back home across America.
Non-political, non action, just raw emotion, and very very powerful.

We sat as a family to watch it, and I dont know about your houses, but for not only my wife, but my 16 & 19yr old kids to watch a film without speaking is quite a feat, and with very teary eyes afterwards. (myself included)

You can download it, or perhaps get a copy at local DVD store.
Review here:
http://newfilmdimension.com/2009/02/23/taking-chance-review/
 

Screwback

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All this English this and english that is totally pathetic!!!

FFS no matter what nationality we should be 100 percent behind our troops they do a fantastic job in a very difficult climate and without the right amount off equipment.

I think that is a really good story and the soldier is a credit to his country the UK (United Kingdom)
 

dangermouse

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nice tale that brought a lump to the throat, but the small minded pettiness of your "English" rubbish could have been left at the door. England isn't a country, its an administrative area of the United Kingdom.

I support every one of our troops out there, whether they were born in Inverness or Plymouth.

By the way, Whitefield is one of the six boroughs of Bury in Lancashire, and therefore despite having an M postcode isn't part of Manchester (much like you would no doubt argue that Trafford isn't in Manchester, despite its M postcode). No wonder you are confused about your own identity given the difficulties you have with your own address.
 

mancity101

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nice tale that brought a lump to the throat, but the small minded pettiness of your "English" rubbish could have been left at the door. England isn't a country, its an administrative area of the United Kingdom.

I support every one of our troops out there, whether they were born in Inverness or Plymouth.

By the way, Whitefield is one of the six boroughs of Bury in Lancashire, and therefore despite having an M postcode isn't part of Manchester (much like you would no doubt argue that Trafford isn't in Manchester, despite its M postcode). No wonder you are confused about your own identity given the difficulties you have with your own address.

DangerMouse
check the facts...it says LOCATION Whitefield, not where I reside and no relevance to the football team I support wich I assume you are alluding to.
I beg to differ England is a country, if you chose to believe not so be it. .as for small minded pettiness, well if that is being a proud English man then I am guilty.
Maybe you prefer a no national identity state? a free for all country?
 

dangermouse

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DangerMouse
check the facts...it says LOCATION Whitefield, not where I reside and no relevance to the football team I support wich I assume you are alluding to.
I beg to differ England is a country, if you chose to believe not so be it. .as for small minded pettiness, well if that is being a proud English man then I am guilty.
Maybe you prefer a no national identity state? a free for all country?

england is not a country. it has no capacity to enter into international relations, and therefore lacks one of the four criteria required to be a country.

and your location states manchester, whitefield - I was merely pointing out they are two different places (somewhat mischievous nitpicking, some might say). I was merely pointing out you are claiming to be in two places at once.
 

drawboy

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Regardless of of where in the U.k our boys come from they do a fantastic job, whether you agree or disagree with their situation they are out there doing their bit and giving their lives. I for one appreciate and salute the bravery they are showing. They are the British Army, the very best in the world and I am proud of them all and proud to be British. Thanks Lads, and get home safe.
 

Screwback

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I for one appreciate and salute the bravery they are showing. They are the British Army, the very best in the world and I am proud of them all and proud to be British. Thanks Lads, and get home safe.

Well said drawboy spot on.

Mancity101 your quite intitled to be what you call patriotic to england but i think this was not the post to bring it up!!!!
 

Robobum

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I could have sworn I have read similar regarding a us airport.

Brendy, I'd say you are bang on here. Very unlikely that our troops would stop and salute a civilian.

Also our troops can't communicate with each other from 100yds away due to some of the crap gear they are lumbered with, never mind calling a fellow soldier up from Heathrow!!!

Nice story all the same, I have complete respect for the guys that fight on the frontline. Spent 14 years flying them to and from action and appreciate what they go through.
 

HomerJSimpson

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I have to say when I quickly read this in work this morning it struck me as one of those urban stories - the feelgood ones similar to the ones doing the rounds after 9/11. Irrespective of whether it happened or not or whether England is a country etc the fact of the matter reamins that our soldiers are doing a fine job, underpaid, underresourced and badly kitted with little help from the government that sent them there to start with. I have a few army mates based nearby in Windsor and its only when you hear the stories of conditions etc you realise how big a deal it is for the guys on the ground.
 

rickg

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The story first started doing the rounds in 2006 in America and then Canada, and then in March 2009 it first appeared in the UK.

However it started, (and it is not known if it is genuine), it still serves as a reminder to everyone that reads it to think of our troops doing a terrific job in terrible and terrifying conditions on our behalf.

May they all come home soon and safely.
 

PhilTheFragger

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england is not a country. it has no capacity to enter into international relations, and therefore lacks one of the four criteria required to be a country.

Just because ENGLAND are the only COUNTRY from the British Isles at the World Cup you get all upset

Seriously, it does sound like a "too good to be true" urban Legend, but the sentiments are worthwhile. I was in the TA for 7 years from 1987 and came across fellow soldiers from all parts of the commonwealth let alone the UK.

Notwithstanding the political mass debates :eek: about whether we should be where we are, the fact is that these guys and girls are laying down their lives for our freedoms and rights. They deserve our support and respect.

Come on England :D
 

toyboy54

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ManCity101................You are English BUT a proud BRITON

Suggest ...Dickhead!
We are all in this together,we allhave family,cousins,friends,someone the family knows over there(and don't we thank the lord that it is not us???)

My family lost 3 in N.I.and we have 2 in the middle east,
All we can do is hope!
I AM NOT ENGLISH!!!
WE ARE BRITISH!!

Answer please Plonker!!!
 

Screwback

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Mancity101 you may be a proud english man

But where have you been on this post? all the negativaty against your PROUD ENGLISH comments and we have not heard a reply from you!!!

Must realise your wrong???
 

Herbie

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A nice sentiment stolen from a Canadian one I saw methinks?
Most squaddies I knew when I was in would rather people just be normal and grateful without gushing.....supply them well, pay them well and provide for their families well should they sadly lose their life would be the best form of gratitude for them all. A pat on the back only goes so far.
 

viscount17

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the average squaddie, matelot, even light blue ( :p), doesn't do gushing very well (and I was in for 25).

the majority of such incidents are staged by the media (tv being the worst), and if the bootnecks that I knew who were in NI are anything to go by, they loathed the media in all its forms.

as herbie says, give them the gear, pay them properly, look the families and the injured, and they'll get on with the job.
 
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