May God always bless our Nation and our Troops! I had the honor and privilege today to serve our country (or so to speak)even though it meant a change of plans. The Red Cross was invited to participate in a private ceremony and barbeque for the returning 136th Military Police Army National Guard returning from Afghanistan - and since I am Chairman elect (in July) I felt it was my duty to give up a day I had planned for Travis and I to be there! Little did I know that it would turn into a day neither Travis or I would ever forget and certainly not regret! The first part of the morning was spent waiting -as well as getting everything set up (ice, drinks, etc.), giving out water to waiting family members - many who had driven many miles to get there - because they were two hours late (typical I understand of the military) but then we found out the Commander had decided to stop in Ruston, Louisiana and have lunch. In about 3 hours - anticipation began to build and build. We knew when they passed Shreveport, then Marshall, then Longview - and finally 15 minutes away, 5 minutes away and then hold your breath - one minute away! Then -- we heard the motorcycles - and in they rolled -- the motorcycles driven by a local Vietnam veteran's group (who by the way were shunned by so many when they returned home) and then in rolled 4 huge busses (Greyhound size)! Oh I need to tell you the street (out past the old KLTV station on East Erwin) was lined with people and flags all the way to Loop 323 - what an emotional sight! I had seen this on emails but to see it in person was a lifetime experience! What an honor to be among the first to welcome them home! They were given about 30 minutes to hug and hug and love their families and then there was a short program after which we served barbeque and all the trimmings to all who chose to stay and eat! There was also about 600 chocolate and vanilla cupcakes to greet them! One sweet young soldier girl took a glass of Chick-fil-A sweet tea and said "Oh Chick-fil-A is my favorite tea and I have missed it so much!" Thanks to Chick-fil-A for donating gallons and gallons of tea and lemonade and every soldier welcomed it -- the sweet tea being the #1 favorite!! Thanks Ed King for being so very generous and you and your tea and lemonade were so very much appreciated. Every one of the soldiers was appreciative and polite and thanked us for being there - what? WE THANK THEM!!!! A wonderful day that I am thankful I lived to see!!
I don't really have a recipe tonight -- just soak in the wonderful country we live in - and go eat a Chick-fil-A - and thank those folks for being so kind to OUR NATIONAL GUARD!!! May God bless and keep each of them and each of you!! I promise I will have more good recipes starting tomorrow!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment