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[HolyCount]

I was sent this as an e-mail. Knowing the internet for what it is I feel this might well be a spoof - but it brought a tear to my eyes and, to be honest, struck me as a damn good idea.

The only change I would make is change "English" to "Brtitish" ....



SOLDIERS

 

Last week I was in  West London attending a conference.

While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.

I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and  cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this country   and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young  unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers.

He knelt down and said 'hi,' the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.

Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now.

As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second.

Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie.

They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.'

He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a Kiss on the cheek.

He finished by saying 'Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.

I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause.

As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own.

That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be an Englishman.

RED FRIDAYS

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday.

The reason?

Englishmen and women who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'.

We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for Country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing.

We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many English people, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of  Britain supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every Briton who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Great Britain on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football team

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, It will not be long before Britain is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...'We need your support and your prayers'...

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON

IF YOU COULD NOT CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.

IT IS YOUR CHOICE.

THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! ---

Lest we Forget.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Well it certainly made me cry!!

It all sounds very plausible, and a great idea. 8-) 8-) 8-)

No money in it so it does not seem a scam, just a wonderful idea to me from a military family

[over50now]

I got this yesterday.

WILL BE WEARING SOMETHING RED ON FRIDAY, EVEN IF IT'S ONLY A BADGE.

WE ARE STILL THE BEST, DESPITE EVERY OTHER NATION THINKING THEY ARE.

PROVES WE'RE THE BEST, 'COS NO OTHER NATION CAN TAKE OUR PLACE AT THE WORLDS TROUBLE SPOTS. CAN'T MATCH THE GOOD JOB WE DO AND DON'T WANT TO BE EMBARRASSED. HOWEVER, THE OTHER NATIONS SHOULD TAKE THEIR TURN.  WHY HAVE WE ALWAYS GOT TO PAY FOR AND SORT OUT EVERYONES  :yCOCK UPS AND MESS.

SALUTE TO OUR ARMED SERVICES AND THEIR SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS

[Gaffers]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

[Martin_1962]

Too many of my family have been in military

[HolyCount]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

I think it's a great idea - and will find something suitable and red to wear - maybe it will catch on.

My family, too, have long military conections, from the 11th Century to the present day and in all services. My personal family heroes are my father (RAF), an uncle who ended up in Colditz where he contracted tuberculosis and died in Chester Military Hospital (Army - Wiltshires) and another uncle who fought the Turks (sorry Cem) in the 16th century and captured their colours.

All Royalist through and through.

[Gaffers]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

I think it's a great idea - and will find something suitable and red to wear - maybe it will catch on.

My family, too, have long military conections, from the 11th Century to the present day and in all services. My personal family heroes are my father (RAF), an uncle who ended up in Colditz where he contracted tuberculosis and died in Chester Military Hospital (Army - Wiltshires) and another uncle who fought the Turks (sorry Cem) in the 16th century and captured their colours.

All Royalist through and through.

Small world.

My Grandfather was in the Wiltshires, survived Burmah and was the Colour Bearer when they formed the Edingburgh Redgiment after the war.

My family have a lot of military connections mainly army as they were escaping the potato famine and needed an out.  My Great-Granfather was in the BIA (British Indian Army) and married an indian girl.  Apparently her curries were to die for.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

I think it's a great idea - and will find something suitable and red to wear - maybe it will catch on.

My family, too, have long military conections, from the 11th Century to the present day and in all services. My personal family heroes are my father (RAF), an uncle who ended up in Colditz where he contracted tuberculosis and died in Chester Military Hospital (Army - Wiltshires) and another uncle who fought the Turks (sorry Cem) in the 16th century and captured their colours.

All Royalist through and through.

Small world.

My Grandfather was in the Wiltshires, survived Burmah and was the Colour Bearer when they formed the Edingburgh Redgiment after the war.

My family have a lot of military connections mainly army as they were escaping the potato famine and needed an out.  My Great-Granfather was in the BIA (British Indian Army) and married an indian girl.  Apparently her curries were to die for.

I think a lot of British families have a military background.

My grandfather (mother's side) served in the Royal Navy during the 1914-18 war and fought at Jutland (30th May 1916)  My father also served in the Royal Navy in the 1939 - 45 war, from 1940 and left in 1966, being present in various sea battles, including the bombardment of the Normandy fortifications on 6th June 1944, from HMS Ajax.  I had two uncles (on my fathers side) who served during the Boar War and the Great War. One, Albert Edwards came through the latter without a scratch; the other, Walter, Frank, Edwards , Private 13369 of the West Kent Machine Gun Company was lost to the mud at Ypres on 30th July 1917.  My Grandfather, on my fathers side, although a civilian, was lost to a Luftwaffe bomb from a Heinkel 111 on Tunbridge Wells 12th September 1940.  One of my sons served in the Royal Engineers for five years, including a tour of duty in Bosnia.  His grandfather, on my ex's side, was in the Royal West Kent's from 1939 - 45, and the Glorious Gloucester's in the Korean War (1950-53).

What a great military history we have in Britain, and men like Gaffers keep it proudly going with our sincere appreciation.

[Gaffers]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

I think it's a great idea - and will find something suitable and red to wear - maybe it will catch on.

My family, too, have long military conections, from the 11th Century to the present day and in all services. My personal family heroes are my father (RAF), an uncle who ended up in Colditz where he contracted tuberculosis and died in Chester Military Hospital (Army - Wiltshires) and another uncle who fought the Turks (sorry Cem) in the 16th century and captured their colours.

All Royalist through and through.

Small world.

My Grandfather was in the Wiltshires, survived Burmah and was the Colour Bearer when they formed the Edingburgh Redgiment after the war.

My family have a lot of military connections mainly army as they were escaping the potato famine and needed an out.  My Great-Granfather was in the BIA (British Indian Army) and married an indian girl.  Apparently her curries were to die for.

I think a lot of British families have a military background.

My grandfather (mother's side) served in the Royal Navy during the 1914-18 war and fought at Jutland (30th May 1916)  My father also served in the Royal Navy in the 1939 - 45 war, from 1940 and left in 1966, being present in various sea battles, including the bombardment of the Normandy fortifications on 6th June 1944, from HMS Ajax.  I had two uncles (on my fathers side) who served during the Boar War and the Great War. One, Albert Edwards came through the latter without a scratch; the other, Walter, Frank, Edwards , Private 13369 of the West Kent Machine Gun Company was lost to the mud at Ypres on 30th July 1917.  My Grandfather, on my fathers side, although a civilian, was lost to a Luftwaffe bomb from a Heinkel 111 on Tunbridge Wells 12th September 1940.  One of my sons served in the Royal Engineers for five years, including a tour of duty in Bosnia.  His grandfather, on my ex's side, was in the Royal West Kent's from 1939 - 45, and the Glorious Gloucester's in the Korean War (1950-53).

What a great military history we have in Britain, and men like Gaffers keep it proudly going with our sincere appreciation.

Hey, I'm a REMF and a Rupert REMF at that.... thank the infantrymen and those that support them on the ground  

[Lizzie_Zoom]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

I think it's a great idea - and will find something suitable and red to wear - maybe it will catch on.

My family, too, have long military conections, from the 11th Century to the present day and in all services. My personal family heroes are my father (RAF), an uncle who ended up in Colditz where he contracted tuberculosis and died in Chester Military Hospital (Army - Wiltshires) and another uncle who fought the Turks (sorry Cem) in the 16th century and captured their colours.

All Royalist through and through.

Small world.

My Grandfather was in the Wiltshires, survived Burmah and was the Colour Bearer when they formed the Edingburgh Redgiment after the war.

My family have a lot of military connections mainly army as they were escaping the potato famine and needed an out.  My Great-Granfather was in the BIA (British Indian Army) and married an indian girl.  Apparently her curries were to die for.

I think a lot of British families have a military background.

My grandfather (mother's side) served in the Royal Navy during the 1914-18 war and fought at Jutland (30th May 1916)  My father also served in the Royal Navy in the 1939 - 45 war, from 1940 and left in 1966, being present in various sea battles, including the bombardment of the Normandy fortifications on 6th June 1944, from HMS Ajax.  I had two uncles (on my fathers side) who served during the Boar War and the Great War. One, Albert Edwards came through the latter without a scratch; the other, Walter, Frank, Edwards , Private 13369 of the West Kent Machine Gun Company was lost to the mud at Ypres on 30th July 1917.  My Grandfather, on my fathers side, although a civilian, was lost to a Luftwaffe bomb from a Heinkel 111 on Tunbridge Wells 12th September 1940.  One of my sons served in the Royal Engineers for five years, including a tour of duty in Bosnia.  His grandfather, on my ex's side, was in the Royal West Kent's from 1939 - 45, and the Glorious Gloucester's in the Korean War (1950-53).

What a great military history we have in Britain, and men like Gaffers keep it proudly going with our sincere appreciation.

Hey, I'm a REMF and a Rupert REMF at that.... thank the infantrymen and those that support them on the ground  

To me Gaffers all of you are doing a great job in the tradition of the British Army!  Without a team effort nothing would be possible.

[Vamps]

Well I am up for it

[HolyCount]

http://redfridays.ca/index.htm

Canadian, but a great idea.  Has anyone heard Sir Mike's well chosen words on Jane Goody?  I think this kind of thing falls into the same category of things we would like to say but cannot for fear of reproachment by the vocal majority thus forcing the silent majority to keep schtum.

As a member of the British Forces married to an American I get more words of thanks and well wishing from Americans I don't even know than from my British compadres.  I have even been saluted by 2 unknown Canadian civilians while in Canada training.

I do my job because I like the lifestyle, the challenge and the comaraderie.  The soldiers are great and they make it worth my while 80% of the time, thats when they are not in trouble for something.  I am a royalist and I relish serving Queen and Country.  

I speak on behalf of my collegues when I say that we do not expect any special treatment from fellow Brits but when I see the recognition its makes me feel very good so that when I am lying on the ground hoping the next rocket or mortar wont land directly ontop of me(a few have come very close) I have happy things to think about.

Maybe we Brits should do the same or something similar  

I think it's a great idea - and will find something suitable and red to wear - maybe it will catch on.

My family, too, have long military conections, from the 11th Century to the present day and in all services. My personal family heroes are my father (RAF), an uncle who ended up in Colditz where he contracted tuberculosis and died in Chester Military Hospital (Army - Wiltshires) and another uncle who fought the Turks (sorry Cem) in the 16th century and captured their colours.

All Royalist through and through.

Small world.

My Grandfather was in the Wiltshires, survived Burmah and was the Colour Bearer when they formed the Edingburgh Redgiment after the war.

My family have a lot of military connections mainly army as they were escaping the potato famine and needed an out.  My Great-Granfather was in the BIA (British Indian Army) and married an indian girl.  Apparently her curries were to die for.

I think a lot of British families have a military background.

My grandfather (mother's side) served in the Royal Navy during the 1914-18 war and fought at Jutland (30th May 1916)  My father also served in the Royal Navy in the 1939 - 45 war, from 1940 and left in 1966, being present in various sea battles, including the bombardment of the Normandy fortifications on 6th June 1944, from HMS Ajax.  I had two uncles (on my fathers side) who served during the Boar War and the Great War. One, Albert Edwards came through the latter without a scratch; the other, Walter, Frank, Edwards , Private 13369 of the West Kent Machine Gun Company was lost to the mud at Ypres on 30th July 1917.  My Grandfather, on my fathers side, although a civilian, was lost to a Luftwaffe bomb from a Heinkel 111 on Tunbridge Wells 12th September 1940.  One of my sons served in the Royal Engineers for five years, including a tour of duty in Bosnia.  His grandfather, on my ex's side, was in the Royal West Kent's from 1939 - 45, and the Glorious Gloucester's in the Korean War (1950-53).

What a great military history we have in Britain, and men like Gaffers keep it proudly going with our sincere appreciation.

Hey, I'm a REMF and a Rupert REMF at that.... thank the infantrymen and those that support them on the ground  

Yeah, you have a point there  

Seriously though my family have ranged from right at the bottom to fairly near the top rankwise. At the end of the day each is as important as the other (despite what they say).