8 year old girl made this Marine cry ...

[cowboy_az_us]

I recently returned from a trip to The Wall with 49 other Vietnam vets. When we arrived at the airport in Phoenix, there was a tremendious Welcome Home for us, put on by Southwest Airlines. (http://www.operationfreedombird.com/overview.html)

One little girl reached up to hand me a flower. When I bent down to take it, I kissed her on the cheek. I already had tears in my eyes and she teared up too. It was an awesome moment. I understand how you felt.

[Marine1955]

damn go story..

[doc h fmf]

I Cried As Alway Everything Like That Makes Me Cry.that Was Good Tracy

[peterjems]

That was a very inspirational story. This is what happens when you do good for the nation, there will be many to support you and many to keep you going and work even better. This incident is kind of the second one that would keep the soldiers motivated. It made tears roll down my eyes. Thank you for the story and keep up the good work. Stay connected.

[kenrobg30]

I( read your story, and thank you for it, Tracy You brought tears to these eyes to, but You might have done more than that. I've been lookinjg for a lead, to one of the officers I worked for as a radio man in Korea in 1951. The officers name was Warren Lloyd. I just chased the Admirals name down, and left an inquiry concerning the possible relationship. I just want to Know, his career went, after that. He was a damned good Marine officer, and It would please me to finally get my curiousity itche scratched. Thank you, for both boosts. Sempre Fidelis !!
Ken.

I took my wife and 2 of my sons, to Clearwater Veterans Appreciation day 5th Annual Events on 11/7/09 at the brighthouse field.
(A 2 hour drive away)
I was in Uniform, and had a great time.
I met Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Civilians, Vets, SEALS, PJ's, Rangers, and so on.
Watched the Coast Guard Silent Drill Team (from D.C.), and High School drill teams. Met Rear Admiral D. B. Lloyd, and his staff.
Thanked him and the local Mayor, Shook hands and thanked the members of the Silent Drill Team.
Had a GREAT time.
As we were getting ready to leave, and getting some drinks out of the trunk, for the long drive back home, a car stopped behind us, and a gentleman and a young girl got out.
The man stated that his daughter had something to say to me.
I got down on a knee, and said "yes mam"
The girl said "Thanks for being my soldier", and handed me a Challenge Coin. One side said thanks for being my soldier, The other side has "I Salute You", and has her name and date of birth, (She's 8 years old)
when I finished reading it, I looked up, and this little girl was Saluting me.
I stood up, came to Attention, and returned the Salute of this little girl. I then turned and Saluted the dad. The girl then gave me a hug.
They got in their car, and left.
I got in my car, and cried for 10 min. My wife and kids didn't say anything.
That little girl from Tampa (Ms. Wieser), means more to me than any of the Brass and Big Wigs, that I met that day.
GOD BLESS OUR YOUTH.
Semper-Fi

SSGT Tracy Laudenslager
U.S.M.C. 1983 - 1996
Ocala, Fl.

[Rocky C]

This is the 6th or 7th time I read your thread Tracy.
I get the same feeling everytime.
I should just print it up and hang it on the wall.

OUTSTANDING!!!

Semper Fi,
Rocky

[kenrobg30]

This is the 6th or 7th time I read your thread Tracy.
I get the same feeling everytime.
I should just print it up and hang it on the wall.

OUTSTANDING!!!

Semper Fi,
Rocky

It proves, we ain't so tough, Don't it, Rocky? Sempre FI !!
Ken.

[coffeejoejava]

I am filled with confidence in hte future with children like that. As for the parents of such an outstanding young American, all I can say is"Outstanding".

Got me choked up for a minute right here in the office with my SNCO's!!

[HeHasMyHeart]

That's the sweetest thing ever!

[wdh1371]

It's amazing that a child can make the biggest of men tear up.
GREAT story I will share that with many of my Marine freinds that are not on here to see it.And yes I teared up as well.

Thanks to all who have served in our beloved Corp and are serving now, which one happens to be my son

[Jlynch31]

Well this seems to be the right place to put it-
I drive a Jeep wrangeler, th tire cover is a EGA and on the bumber I have a sticker that is the Iraqi Campain Ribbion and it says "Iraqi War Vetran" I also have Vet plates.
When I came out of a restraunt on right I noticed something on my window, it was dark so I hoped it wasn't a ticket. I took it off my windshield and in the soft parking lot lights it said - "I saw your bumper sticker, Thank you for your service to this Great Country you are a true American Hero I sat in my jeep for about ten minuets just staring at the letter... a renewed hope that indeed, some people in this country get it.

[Alpha1Devildog]

WHEW. . . .. . . .

Makes one glad he joined the Few, the Proud. . . .Semper Fi, Ms. Wieser.

[Militarys Dautr]

How Sweet....Im surprised there are actually Kids like that now still..All I see are kids younger then her cussin around, pointing middle fingers and havin no respect..I remeber if i did that around my neighborhood my own neighbors would smack my hide right off of me...Bless her family...Hope there are more like her around the world...Some people these days just have no sense in them....

[MarshRunner]

Made my eyes ... sweat .... thanks for sharing.

SF

[foreverproud]

What a wonderful story and of course I was crying. It was a privilege to read such a inspirational story of gratitude.