Thank God and our Troops

Yesterday we celebrated our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He died so that our sins would be forgiven and that we could have ever lasting life.

Today I was reminded of a story and in memory of the sacrifice that our God has made for us I wanted to share another story of a daily sacrifice that is being made for us.

An unnamed business man while traveling to Chicago on business, noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two

together.

After we boarded our flight, he turned to the sergeant, who had been

invited to sit in First Class, and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.

Heading out he 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 him like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told him 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.


He turned back to him, extended him his 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. He noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane and his action made him realize how proud he was 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.



The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things

better for you?' is..... 'We need your prayers and your support.'



Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.

Jesus died for your soul; the soldier for your freedom.