The Gratitude Campaign-Bangor, Maine Style

Last week, I watched one of the most moving PBS shows of my life-the story of the Bangor, Maine troop greeters.

It’s likely that you have heard of them—these mostly senior citizens-many of them veterans themselves—who are unfailingly there at Bangor International Airport for each and every incoming troop flight-regardless of the hour.

Their job?Simply to extend a hand and say “Thank you”. The troops are visibly surprised, taken aback—and grateful. After 5 years, hundreds if not thousands of flights—and well over a million troops (in total, counting multiple tours of duty), they still show up.

If you can find time to see the show, it will change your outlook on life. As the greeters say themselves, it is not political. There are strong opinions on the war itself—but sides are never taken at the jetway gate when the soldiers are making their way home. There are only thank-you’s, handshakes and hugs.

Here is the trailer for the show, giving you a glimpse of the magnitude of effort required for each of these “Greeters” to complete THEIR mission:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70xGwH9k4Qg

Special thanks to faithful blog reader Don Coddington of Interscope Records in New York, who inspired today’s subject by sending along a video link to The Gratitude Campaign.

Like the Bangor, Maine greeters, this is an easy way to show your support to men and women in uniform—wherever they are-at the airport or train station, at the Mall or on the street.

Check out this video—and better yet, adopt the practice demonstrated here:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo

Tens of thousands of men and women leaves their families, their jobs and their normal lives to fight for our country. The evidence suggests that not one of them comes back unchanged. Many continue to suffer long after their physical injuries have healed. Some without outward battle scars have nonetheless become casualties on an emotional and psychological level.

There are those who say that we have not learned the lessons of Viet Nam. In the political arena where wars are decided, perhaps that is true. There is, however, a marked difference in the way the American public treats those who fight.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Viet Nam was that returning soldiers were scorned by many, especially the young war protesters. These draft dodgers and college students called them “baby killers” and worse.

In this regard, I believe that we have made some progress. Now, regardless of your personal stance on the conflict, most Americans can separate the political situation from the personal odyssey of those who serve.

So, it is high time to say “Thank You”!
The Gratitude Campaign—make it a part of who you are whenever you encounter someone who risks everything for you and your family.

If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com