My Eternal Thanks

Recently my best friend's mother sent me a story about two young Marines and their experiences flying home from Iraq. They were saluted and cared for by the people on the plane and I just wanted to share my response to her. My best friend's Mom, Joan, has a father who fought the Germans in WW2 with the 24th Infantry Division, a brother who passed away that served in Vietnam with the Army and her son, my best friend, that served in the Marines and Naval Reserve. She considers me her son as well. She has also supported the military and continues to do so. I call her Mom out of respect because she has been one, on many occasions, for me.

"Mom,
I remember when I flew out of Kuwait. We went out on a US Air flight from Kuwait City and this was the first trip by the flight crew from the Middle East bringing troops home. (I was on one of the first flights bringing a large group of troops home). My friend George and I walked on the plane and it was decorated stem to stern with yellow ribbons, American flags and big "Thank You" posters. George and I were seated right near the flight crew area and we were the subject of great interest and affection. Everyone of them, Capt. and flight officers included, showered us with congratulations, hugs, handshakes, etc. It felt really good to be appreciated like that, but also very embarrassing.
You know how I am, I don't really think that I did anything special. No more special than anyone else who was there and I'm not one to accept praise easily. When Lejeune held that big old parade for us when we got back, I didn't even go. I guess for me, it has to do more about the homecoming our Vietnam vets never got. They never got one, so why should I/we? It has nothing to do with my appreciation of what our citizens are doing for us. I have the utmost respect for those folks. Many of them have trouble making ends meet but still take the time and money to show appreciation for what we do and for that I am indebted to them.
For a few minutes on that plane coming home, I allowed myself to bask in the glow of their attention. I can't lie, it felt wonderful, but it was fleeting because I closed myself back up soon after. I appreciate it all, but in respect for our Viet vets, I can never in good conscience take part in any of it. I may feel different about it many years from now, but not now. God bless our citizens who support the military. You guys are the one's who make us go and do what we do. We do it for you.
Love,
M"