Red.

This is kind of a heavy subject, but TGIF, dude.

How does every chain letter begin? Ah, yes. "I don't normally pass these along... but I [either know this person or have experienced this myself] so I thought I'd let you know because this is really for real." Right?

Well, let me start by saying that I don't ever pass on chain letters through email. I have no idea if this story is true. For all I know it could be a huge glurge bent on forwarding someone else's political agenda.

But this topic is personal. However long ago, whenever someone sent troops out overseas to fight and/or die for any given cause, of course I was worried, had a political opinion, and the numbers were disturbing.

But now it's personal.

I personally know and love those who make up those "numbers" who get sent out to fight and maybe die. I've posted something like this before, but how do I adequately express something like this?

My husband has chosen a career in which he might be called to die.

So I say "thank you" to all service members, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and all others who think more of what they're doing than of their own personal safety. They do what we don't want to, so we don't have to think about it. They keep us safe, and innocent. Which is why some people feel entitled to criticize, because most of us have never seen someone die, or saved a life, or taken one. And most of us won't have to.

So, here's a chain mail. Once again I have no idea if it's true.

Sea of Red


Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

"No," he responded.
"Heading out?" I asked.
"No. I'm escorting a soldier home."
"Going to pick him up?"
"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq, I'm taking him home to his family," he replied.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military men and women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

It goes on to describe how we should all wear red on Friday's to send a message that we support them and we won't rest until they all come home. But you know what? They signed up for this. Yes, they did. No, they didn't necessarily think of roadside bombs or having to tourniquet their buddies or themselves under fire, but if we bring every last one of them home from where ever they are, it would destroy much of the work they've done so far. Sure, wear red on Fridays, but don't discount or discredit the good that happens or that they achieve while deployed. Deployment is a reality of life for a soldier and his or her family, not a great injustice. Bringing all of them home is just as silly as always keeping a police officer or EMT home so they stay safe. Supporting them doesn't just mean bringing them all home to stay.

Also, if you wish to thank a soldier in a more personal way, there are lots of organizations that will help you find someone to send a letter to. Believe it or not, there are plenty of soldiers in harm's way who never get mail. If you google Project Any Soldier, they will have listings of people who don't get mail but would sure like to get some.

A soldier in Iraq can't see your ribbon,
Or the flag at your front door.
But a letter they hold in their hands,
To them means so much more.

By Supporter Liam Sweeny

And with that I step off my soapbox.