So, after I call her name and she answers, I ask her about the conversation...
Shoes: "Did you say in class last week that you have served in Iraq?"
Her: "Yes, sir... I've served two tours there... I will return later this year for another..."
Shoes: "I want to thank you for the service you have given our country... you have my heart felt gratitude for that..."
And I wasn't prepared for what happened next... the class gave her a standing ovation!! I have to admit that caught me by surprise...
This is so different from the response that my generation received when they returned home from Viet Nam...
Whenever there has been a war, there has always been opposition to it... it doesn't matter if it was the Revolutionary War, where many people wanted to remain as a part of the British Crown... or the American Civil War, where people in both the North and the South were opposed to the conflict... or World War I... or World War II, or the Korean War... or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan...
What does matter is that these young men and women are putting themselves at risk for our country... and for that, they deserve the respect and admiration due them...
So, Thank you to all of you that have loved
ones that have contributed to our armed
conflicts...
~shoes~
I well remember my friends brother being spit on by protesters as he came of the plane after spending 3 years in Vietnam. It was truly horrible for so many of those vets.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me proud to hear things like what your class did.
I'm so proud of your kids - and I don't even know them!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the COOLEST story!!! Appreciation is not ENTIRELY gone in the youth of our country...
I salute all soldiers - present, past and future.
xoxoxo
robelyn
That is inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty neat. Although I'm certain that the same thing would nothappen in all areas of the country. This is Holly, btw. I've started a new, more anonymous blog. Still following tho :)
ReplyDeleteThis. Is. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it.
I have a brother in uniform. Done more than one tour, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Khazakstan... And he's been shot at more than once. And hurt. But right now is safe on US soil.
And whether or not we agree with the fighting, the reasons why so many of our best are in harm's way... they are doing what they've pledged to do, and literally willing to give their lives for people they don't even know.
True honor.
This was a fantastic post. I read and loved every word: from your conversation with the student/soldier/hero to your classes heartfelt reaction. I'm awe-struck at the moment...such authenticity in one room must have been a terrific moment.
ReplyDeleteJust have to say that is great and it gave me goosebumps.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, no matter what I will always support the troops. So nice your student got a standing ovation.
ReplyDeleteTotally hits home bro. Support.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome story. My niece also served in Iraq, Kirkut to be exact.
ReplyDeleteI concur Shoes. Unequivocally.
ReplyDeleteThat is really awesome. and a nice surprise. Young kids these days I dont feel really get "it" . You know. You must have a great group of kids.
ReplyDeleteor
maybe your just an awesome teacher. ; )
@ Nitebyrd... I so understand. So many of the Viet Nam vets still talk of not feeling that they were ever able to truly return home again. I was blown away by the response of the students!!
ReplyDelete@ Gobbles... I was so impressed by them as well!
@ Robin... thank you!! I hope all is well with you!!!
@ M (Holly) Hey you!! Yeah, I'm not sure what reaction would have been received in other parts of the country either, but I am pleased she got this one!!
@ Ami... exactly!! They are doing what they priomsed to do... pledged to do... swore to do!! And I will always support them in their endeavors!! A special "thank you" to your brother for his service!!
@ Sandra... thank you!! As I said, I couldn't believe it either! It was one of those special moments that happens. I hope she will remember it for the rest of her Life!
@ G.G.... Thank you SO much for your comment!!
@ Senorita... Hey you! It's good to see you back around a bit... :o) Yes, she deserved her moment!!
@ Zakk... Thank you!!!
@ Just Another Girl... Your niece must be a special young lady!!! I hope all is going well with you... I've been keeping up with you... ;o)
@ Wine and Words... thank you!!! :o)
@ KittyCat.. Yeah, I think it was a wonderful moment for her! I would love to think that maybe this was partly due to me... but this was all about them and their awareness to do this for her!
~shoes~
I saw something like that at an air port once. It was amazing and so emotional.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. Wonderful to read, and glad I finally made it over to your blog!
ReplyDelete@ Danielle... It is stirring, isn't it?
ReplyDelete@ Chloe... thank YOU!!!
I remember not long after Sept 11, 2001, at some event in Memphis, a group of NYFD fire fighters were in attendance... and as they moved through the crowd, they received a standing ovation... it is touching...
~shoes~