Every now and again, life has a way of delivering powerful messages via left hook. At least that’s how it played out for me one day in a Memphis airport.
My flight had been delayed so I moved to Plan B . . . my I-Pod so I could tune out all the pissed off travelers. Somewhere between Ozzy and VanHalen I caught sight of something that struck an emotional chord.
It was a young soldier (perhaps 18 or 19) who looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. I don’t know where he was going, but I felt him thinking about it. What a lonely moment.
It didn’t last long!
A young couple approached the soldier with a cup of coffee and sat down next to him and they were interrupted at least half a dozen times by people thanking this young man for his service. I guess whatever he was about to face made a delayed flight look like playtime.
Isn’t it funny how if we stop long enough and open our eyes, the true meaning of a set of circumstances appears?
I hope that will be the case for all of us this weekend as we indulge in the beer, the bbq’s and the holiday weekend.
I ask that you remember those who have fallen so that we might enjoy the freedom we have today.
Wherever you are in the world this weekend: Please raise your glass to honor them or offer a moment of silence
Oh and before I forget, I need to clear up some unfinished personal business. (talk amongst yourselves)
To my brother Michael Castain Navy SEAL, Vietnam
To my brother Thomas Castain, USA, Vietnam
and to my Dad Desmond Castain, USMC WWII
Thank you for your service your family is proud and grateful!
A toast to remembrance!
A respectful and appreciative,
Paul Castain
True dat Paul! Thanks to all of our Armed Forces for serving and protecting our country, Cheers!!!!!!!!
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Paul, Great post! My daughter is now deployed with the US Navy and my younger son is off to MCRD Parris Island in 8 days. This makes you think and appreciate what we have. Thanks.
Much appreciation for their service Rick.
And to you and your family for the family sacrifices that go with it!Thank you!
Paul, Great post! My daughter is now deployed with the US Navy and my younger son is off to MCRD Parris Island in 8 days. This makes you think and appreciate what we have. Thanks.
Thank you for remembering! JG III USMC Vietnam JG Jr USA Paratrooper WWII JG Sr USA Inf. WWI
Thoughts, prayers and gratitude being sent their way my friend.
Thank you!
Thank you for remembering! JG III USMC Vietnam JG Jr USA Paratrooper WWII JG Sr USA Inf. WWI
Paul,
Thank you for that poignant message this holiday weekend. As many of us travel, and see these incredible service men and women in airports, we need to thank them for all they do for us and our country. Its the least we can do. A great holiday weekend to all.
Well said!
Thank you!
Paul,
Thank you for that poignant message this holiday weekend. As many of us travel, and see these incredible service men and women in airports, we need to thank them for all they do for us and our country. Its the least we can do. A great holiday weekend to all.
Well said!
Thank you!
Amen to that Paul! Thanks to all those who’ve gone before us…And thanks to those who have or are actively serving. Think about that word for a moment “Serving”.
It’s an amazing word Dale and one that deserves reflection as you have so wisely advised . . . thank you!
BRAVO Paul!! Thoughts and prayers with all of our active and fallen military.
AMEN and thank you my friend!
AMEN and thank you my friend!
Many thanks to your family for their service Paul. And the same to my father,Thomas Adams USAF; brother Jeff Adams, USN; and brother Joe Adams, USA.
Cheers to your father and two brothers Audrey . . . much respect and appreciation!
Cheers to your father and two brothers Audrey . . . much respect and appreciation!
Great message Paul!
Only 9% of America’s population serves in the military — to protect the other 91% of us — this weekend (and any day) pay-it-forward and thank the men and women in uniform, and their families who make the ultimate sacrifice to serve and risk their lives for our freedom!
In honor of my dad – Ernest G. Mosteller, U.S. Army Intelligence
Cheers to your Dad Andrea!
With respect and appreciation,
Paul
Cheers to your Dad Andrea!
With respect and appreciation,
Paul
Hey Paul,
Cheers.
I am glad that couple went to cheer that boy up.
It is easy to forget that freedom can easily be taken.
Our bad situations aren’t as bad as many others have gone through.
Cheers Daniel!
I’m glad too. It was just in that moment that I became aware of this soldier alone, with his thoughts that the couple got to him first
Cheers Daniel!
I’m glad too. It was just in that moment that I became aware of this soldier alone, with his thoughts that the couple got to him first
Thanks for posting this, Paul – I could not agree with you more! And I’ll be remembering your brothers and father for their service this weekend, along with all the others who have made our freedom possible.
~ Rebecca
Thank you Rebecca . . . much appreciated!
A toast my friend!!
Hats off to veterans everywhere – they absolutely deserve our gratitude and respect. And to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and their families – THANK YOU! Isn’t it amazing how these men and women have given their lives to protect and defend our country, our freedoms and the millions of citizens they never even knew? Talk about heroes!
Good for you Paul providing this important reminder of what this holiday is REALLY about. I wish you and yours a wonderful weekend!
Virtually Yours,Anne-Marie
Thank you Anne-Marie!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend as well!
Thanks for posting this, Paul. With heartfelt gratitude for your brothers and father and all those who have served and defended our freedoms, and especially on Memorial Day, those who have paid the ultimate price for it.
Thank you Heather!
Thank you Heather!
Paul, As you said, We must remember the those that came before and are now serving for the freedoms we all enjoy. Thanks for your post.
A sincere honor Jay . . . thank you for stopping by!
Back atcha Peter!
It’s an amazing word Dale and one that deserves reflection as you have so wisely advised . . . thank you!
A sincere honor Jay . . . thank you for stopping by!
Well said Paul,
A massive debt of gratitude also to the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces serving alongside our American Brothers and Sisters in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world.
Mr Obama is currently here in London and it’s clear the “Special” and “Essential Relationship” between our countries is still extremely strong.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Nick,
One of the most moving things I have seen in a very long time were the soldiers of your country carrying the Premiership Trophy out to the Manchester United Players. Thank you For always taking our side.
Well said Paul,
A massive debt of gratitude also to the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces serving alongside our American Brothers and Sisters in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world.
Mr Obama is currently here in London and it’s clear the “Special” and “Essential Relationship” between our countries is still extremely strong.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Nick,
One of the most moving things I have seen in a very long time were the soldiers of your country carrying the Premiership Trophy out to the Manchester United Players. Thank you For always taking our side.
Hats off to the veterans; I just missed Vietnam but served 3 years in the Army and my father was a purple heart recipient from the Korean War.
Most people don’t have any idea of the sacrifices that are being made.
Hats off to the veterans; I just missed Vietnam but served 3 years in the Army and my father was a purple heart recipient from the Korean War.
Most people don’t have any idea of the sacrifices that are being made.
Man, You brought a tear to my eyes, I never pass up an opportunity to thank those folks for their sacrifice. Bless you, my friend and God Bless everyone who has served our country. Thank you. Herb
Man, You brought a tear to my eyes, I never pass up an opportunity to thank those folks for their sacrifice. Bless you, my friend and God Bless everyone who has served our country. Thank you. Herb
Paul
As a Marine I thsnk you for ackolwedging what our soldiers do for this couontry.
Not sure you saw my comments on Oprah’s last show but I thought of you and “Everyoen has a story”..
Oprah said everyone needs to be validated and we all need to
1–say I see you
2–say I hear you
3–say I care about what you say
all the best
John
Paul
As a Marine I thsnk you for ackolwedging what our soldiers do for this couontry.
Not sure you saw my comments on Oprah’s last show but I thought of you and “Everyoen has a story”..
Oprah said everyone needs to be validated and we all need to
1–say I see you
2–say I hear you
3–say I care about what you say
all the best
John
So true and so important to be mindful of those who have made a sacrifice of life or just given of themselves to serve our country! We can get caught up in the day to day and forget these things. We made a point at our BBQ to say a prayer of remembrance for our own family members, as well as those we didn’t know. Great subject!