Serena and I had a ton of fun in New York! We shopped (Fishs Eddy was my favorite), we ate amazing food (trout at The Harrison in Tribeca...the best!) and spent some quality friend time together!
But, I think the memory that will always stick with me happened at the Minneapolis airport. We were killing time waiting for our next flight and just walking around when all of the sudden we heard some clapping near one of the gates. I assumed that someone was greeting a relative, but quickly realized that we are no longer allowed to do that at the gates. Then the clapping grew into a very loud applause. We stopped to look and saw that four young service men in full uniform were walking through the airport. As travelers stopped to see what was happening they (along with us) realized what was going on and parked their carry-ons and joined in. We clapped to say thank you...to them, to their mothers and their families. Yes, we shopped, ate amazing food and had a great time, but this is the memory that will stick with me the most!
(Serena was only able to capture the final few seconds, but we wanted to share it with you anyhow.)
Wow, that brings a lump to my throat.
Posted by: jenny b harris | July 20, 2009 at 09:01 AM
I have heard of this type of thing happening but have never seen it or been able to participate...I think it is an awesome thing!
Posted by: Tammy | July 20, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I LOVE Fishs Eddy!!!! I haven't thought about it for years - loved their dishes with the skyline of NYC! (of course that was 10 years ago....) Lovely that the soldiers recieved applause - they deserve it!
Posted by: Pammy | July 20, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Thank you so much for sharing that. It truly brought tears to my eyes. I have a nephew serving in a dangerous area right now, and I'd like to think he'll receive this when he comes home.
Blessings,
Marcia
Posted by: Marcia | July 20, 2009 at 09:45 AM
We need to be very grateful for our soldiers! TELL us what did you get at FIshs Eddy. Any other good stores in that area? Glad it went very well for you two.
Posted by: Cindy | July 20, 2009 at 10:09 AM
~worthy of applause!
Posted by: TinkerVerve | July 20, 2009 at 11:59 AM
thanks for sharing! It's nice to see some parts of our country appreciate the sacrafice of our service men and women. I have never seen that happen at Sea-Tac airport in the 13 years I've been married to a soldier.
Posted by: Meg | July 20, 2009 at 12:39 PM
that always makes me choke up - I love seeing it!
Posted by: Dina | July 20, 2009 at 01:11 PM
What a wonderful greeting for these four young men...that little clip brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing and glad you had a wonderful trip!
Posted by: laurie | July 20, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Wonderful tribute, thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Mandi Pike | July 20, 2009 at 02:22 PM
From the wife of a military man, thank you for acknowledging their service.
Posted by: Tami | July 20, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Every soldier returning deserves that kind of Welcome Home. We can't thank our US Military enough for keeping us safe. Thanks for sharing , Sue
Posted by: Sue | July 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Welcome back ladies, great job! I just wanted to mention that when we were in Seatac coming home from vacation in late May a group of solders were treated in the same way. Everyone stopped and clapped as these young men and women walked by. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
On to the Polka dot dishes at Fishs Eddy, how cute are those? I am a recovering dish- o-holic so it was painful to know they exist and I don't own them. Same with the circus glasses.
Posted by: linda | July 20, 2009 at 10:06 PM
awesome! thanks for sharing this! and welcome home!
Posted by: Maryann Gastaldo | July 20, 2009 at 11:56 PM
I being a mom of a soldier that just returned from Iraq feel so overwhelmed & proud that these young men get the recognition they deserve. Thank you for sharing your experience. It warms my heart.
Posted by: Janna | July 21, 2009 at 12:16 AM
I can't even tell you how that has affected me. My friends were sent to Viet Nam to serve and to die. Those who returned were spit on in the airports!!! My husband didn't dare wear his uniform when traveling. It was a terrible, sad and inexcusable time in our country's history. I am so thankful that these young men were met with such a different response.
Thank God for those who serve our country. Past and present.
Posted by: Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife | July 21, 2009 at 06:35 AM
Awwwww, nothing like a good cry in the morning!
Wow! That is awesome!!! I am so happy to know that my countrymen still appreciate the sacrifices that so few are willing to make for so many of us! THANK YOU for sharing this!!!!
m ^..^
Posted by: m | July 21, 2009 at 07:12 AM
That made me a little teary. I always feel that way when I see military in the airport but always held back. How heart warming.
robin
Posted by: robin dudley-howes | July 21, 2009 at 09:43 AM
I'm boo-hooing. I have a Coast Guard kid (8 years now) and I tear up all the time when I see our guys in uniform. They sure do us proud!!
Diane
The Library Lady
Posted by: Diane ~ The Library Lady | July 21, 2009 at 03:05 PM
thank you so much for bringing back a memory of my own...whena dear friend returned from iraq i was the first one he called when he landed back in the u.s. he waas given a cell phone by a vet waiting at the airport and was told to call whoever he wanted and to talk as long as he needed to...thanks again
Posted by: cindi | July 21, 2009 at 10:37 PM
people used to tip their hat to a priest and either say thank you or shake an officer's hand...oh how times have changed...and it SO good to see people still honoring these brave men and women!!
Posted by: Anne Marie | July 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I loved watching you two on the CBS show (you guys were GREAT!), loved reading about your trip and your goodies... but your airport post made me cry. Good cry, good cry. I'm a vet myself, and my husband is active duty... so you can imagine how touching your video was!
I have Oregon DAV veteran plates on my car, and every now and then someone will say "thank you" to me. I'm always taken aback and confused - and then realize why... and I'm always grateful for the kindness of the stranger's two little words... that are so huge!
Posted by: happy zombie | July 22, 2009 at 01:10 PM
My husband was in the air force for 4 years and his son is still in the air force reserves. When he sees someone in uniform he always goes and shakes their hand and says "thank you."
Posted by: Charmed | July 22, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Makes my heart thump with pride when I see any solider (service man / woman) anywhere but especially in airports knowing they have just said goodbye or will be saying hello. Like Janna, I have a son who has also served in dangerous places. He and his unit returned in May. Glad to know he and others are appreciated.
Posted by: Linda | July 31, 2009 at 10:45 AM