I’ve Never Been More Proud to be an American
by Gina O'Leary
On September 5th, 2008, I was a passenger on an evening Delta flight from Atlanta to Boston. It was a routine flight…..until we landed at Logan Airport. As we approached our gate, there were approximately twenty-five Massport vehicles (fire trucks, police, security) with their lights flashing and the drivers were standing outside of their vehicles saluting our plane. There was a group of Marines, also saluting, and holding the American flag at full staff. I also noticed a family on the tarmac, holding each other and hugging. The captain then announced that he had a request that all passengers remain seated until he escorted a Marine on board who was bringing “home” a fallen comrade. You could have heard a pin drop. A very young Marine, holding a folded American flag, was led to the door and then around the outside of the plane by our Delta captain. As they disembarked, the entire plane applauded; there were tears in most passengers’ eyes. A year ago, I had read of something similar to this in an email circulating but had never experienced it. The cargo door was then opened and this Marine went up the ramp to drape the coffin in our American flag. During this entire 15 minute process, not one person spoke on our plane and the salutes outside our plane remained frozen in place. It was such a private moment; yet, such a public moment. It was powerful. A verse from the song “God Bless The USA” resonated in my head … “And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free; And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me…” I have never been more proud to be an American. The absolute respect and reverence shown to this Marine who lost his life while serving our country is something that will stay with me forever.
Thank you to every man and woman, mom and dad, sister and brother, friend and lover (and their families) who has served our country so that someone like me can sit here in total freedom in the USA.
God Bless America and God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform…Past, Present and Future!!!
About the Author:
Gina O'Leary is the General Manager at The SearchLogix Group. She has been on SearchLogix's team for over eleven years. Gina's main focus is to ensure that The SearchLogix Group remains a top full service executive search firm and that clients know they can rely on to fill their Logistics, Supply Chain, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical hiring needs. When not at the office, you can find Gina with her family usually chasing after their three year old granddaughter!
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