GRATITUDE FELT

Recently, while on a flight back east, a young female soldier sat across the isle from me. She was very dignified and lovely. I noticed immediately how she carried herself. One of the stewards approached her and asked her if there was anything special that she needed and he, the steward, then told her that it was a privilege to have her on board. Later, the captain, announced that two fallen soldiers were being transported to Arlington National Cemetery and that the soldier was escorting the fallen soldiers. I reached over and gently touched her arm. She turned and smiled at me. There was not much to say but I know she felt the enormous amount of gratitude that we all felt toward her and especially the two fallen soldiers. Sometimes the words of gratitude need not be spoken, only felt.