If the Red shirt thing is new to you, read below...

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.

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.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America 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 red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA 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 COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.

eagle...

I think it is a wonderful idea. We wear red at work on Thursdays to show support of our union and solidarity. I think it is great.

Eagle,
thanks for that,already wearing red and passing it on.God Bless each and everyone.Pam

thanks pam & puffins :::::i was a marine .in 1969:;

Army 1972, god bless the troops!!!!!!!!

Just keeping this at the top.Thank you and God be with you all.

Made me proud of our troops which I realized I was not keeping in mind enough although I have always supported them. I shouldn't need reminders, it should always be in my mind.

Thank you, and your story has brought tears of pride for you and our troops and shame for my not being more attentive to thier needs.

Red will be a color I will never forget.

Come on people,keeping this at the top.

I will Wear Red on Fridays. I spent 6 years in the Army.

unfortunately at my job we have a dresscode ant that does not allow us to wear red, but we have started wearing a red whit eand blue ribbon on fridays adn most of us wear it all the time to show support...

god bless teh USA adn god bless our troops fighting for us!

IT just not wear red. red white and blue. THe forth is just a few away .lets all show our pride in troops and the life we have here. TO all that searve THANK YOU.

Army 7 years 80' and early 90's.... 2 years in Baghdad, 1 year Afghanistan, 1 year Kuwait as a civillian just got back in Jan.. love what they do and I know first hand what they face everyday.

Newtosatsuma,God bless you too.let's keep this on top.

WOW! Thanks for sharing that....very moving!