October 2003

Another Wait, But Worth It
by Ben Ingram

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 and 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.

Still, I was pretty focused on "my issues" and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together and focus on taking their seats. Instead, I just thumbed through a magazine from the seat pocket in front of me, keeping my impatience to myself.

Then after all had found their seats . . . a flight attendant came on the intercom to inform us that we were being delayed, which was followed by a collective groan.  She resumed her announcement about some very special people who are on their way to the plane and that the delay should not be more than five more minutes. She added that their connecting flight had traveled a long way.

Now, I have had this happen to me before and more often than not, I had to catch the next flight or even go to another carrier to get to my destination. Still, I was grateful for the times when they waited for me.

And this wait was well worth it for me, since the next announcement by the excited attendant explained that several United States Marines, who were returning home from Iraq, were just about to board our plane.  Her words were immediately followed by an eruption of cheering and applause by all passengers.

These young men were gratefully welcomed with handshakes and supportive comments as they searched for their seats.  Even an occasional "errrrrr" could be heard from what I assume were Marine veterans.  And one elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her.

Once in the air, I reflected on my impatience about the delay relative to what these men had done for all of us.  It sure made me realize that as much as I try not to take everyday freedoms for granted . . . I have to be reminded at times that I do without even realizing it.  I took it for granted when others who had really paid the price for my ability to moan and complain (even if it was just to myself).  It was being selfish about the few minutes delay so  these heroes could go home to their loved ones.

So before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker for everyone to remain in their seats until these young Marine heroes were allowed to gather their things and depart f the plane.  This request was quickly agreed to by resounding cheer and applause from the 340 plus passengers and continued until the last Marine stepped off.

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 would never forget that flight or the lesson learned. I have said it before, but I can't say it enough…

THANK YOU to those VETERANS and ACTIVE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN who may read this remembrance... JOB WELL DONE!  I also pray everyday for those who cannot, because they are no longer with us.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Finally, I think George Washington said it best for me . . ."The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceived veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."

Ben Ingram