The Way We Get By
When I returned from Iraq, our plane stopped in Bangor, Maine for refueling or something (can’t remember, too many explosions). What I do remember are the living angels that greeted me as I deplaned. Tears were impossible to fight back as I looked down two solid lines of Americans who wanted to ensure that we knew we were appreciated and loved.
I’m sure a day has gone by when I didn’t think back to that day, but I can’t remember which one it was. Those images are as emblazoned in my mind as any firefight I had to struggle to live through. In one instant, my mind was free of its pain and wonder about how we would be received.
This video is another of the many “great” videos you’ll find on Great Americans. I’m going to plug these guys a lot because their message is positive and patriotic. They off a forum for great stories about the heroes of this country, both at home and abroad.
Inside a small airport in central Maine, a group of senior citizens are making history by using handshakes and hugs to play a critical role in the Iraq war. The Way We Get By is an inspirational story about how these handshakes can change a person’s life. Since March 2003, nearly one million soldiers and marines from across the country have been greeted at the Bangor International Airport. With each flight, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these volunteers have been there to send them off and welcome them home. The Way We Get By follows three senior citizens, Bill Knight, Joan Gaudet, and Jerry Mundy as they battle with the critical issues common to the nation’s ever-growing aging population. Through their candid and moving stories, viewers are provided with a truthful look at what millions of Americans are facing across the country. The film will have its East Coast premier at the GI Film Festival, May 13-17, 2009. Please visit: www.GIFilmFestival.com.
If this doesn’t swell your heart with pride, just check your pulse. Or better yet, have someone else do it. You’re probably already dead!
The Way We Get By – Trailer from The Way We Get By on Vimeo.
johnston45
February 17th, 2009 at 5:53 pm“We’ll be here when you get back.” What touching words from these dedicated folks who are heroes in their own right.
Miss Ladybug
February 17th, 2009 at 6:09 pmThanks for posting, CJ!
Cyd Deathe
February 17th, 2009 at 6:47 pmCJ,
This is on my “bucket list”. I want to go up there and welcome home some of the troops with these incredilbe American Patriots!
Mickey
February 17th, 2009 at 9:26 pmthank you………….
brat
February 17th, 2009 at 9:37 pmWow! GREAT Americans: “Keeping the Promise”. And then some.
Thank you.