I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for
everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and
grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to
be a long , uneventful flight home. With the
huge capacity and slow moving people taking their
time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead
and never paying much attention to holding up the
growing line behind them, I simply shook my head
knowing that this flight was not starting out very
well.

I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so
I was focused on "my" issues and just felt like
standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to
get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a
word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine
from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's
really getting rough when you resort to the over
priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there ere,
with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to
get us going although we were well past the scheduled
take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in
trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came
on the intercom to inform us all that we were being
delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan.
She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the
aircraft for some very special people who are on their
way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than
5 minutes.

The word came after waiting six times as long as we
were promised that "I" was finally going to be on my
way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks?
I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be
the reason for the hold up.........Just get their
butts in a seat and lets hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in
a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by
several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!!
Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted
into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by
the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for
their seats.. They were having their hands shook and
touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's
distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One
elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines
as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and
cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, "I" was not the only
civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in
"me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold
beverage and the remote in my hand. These men had
done for all of us and I had been complaining silently
about "me" and "my" issues. I took for granted the
everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the
American way of life I took for granted others paid the
price for my ability to moan and complain about a few
minutes delay to "me" those Heroes going home to
their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order
and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant
that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone
to remain in their seats until our hero's were allowed to
gather their things and be first off the plane.

The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine
stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often
taken for granted everyday freedoms.........

I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege
to be among the first to welcome them home and say
"Thank You" for a job well done.

I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the
lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to
those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may
read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they
are no longer with us.