A Sign of Gratitude

As I was sitting in the airport Waiting on my flight I noticed young people in military gear On my left and on my right I don’t question anyone’s motives For this path they choose to take And I felt an urge deep down inside To get up and their hands to shake I caught the eye of one young man Gave the American sign for the phrase “Thank You” He returned a smile and a big thumbs up As if this sign he really knew Then I got the attention of another And flashed the sign again She nodded her head in my direction Wearing a big wide grin As I sat there waiting I did it about twenty times more To every young person whose attention I got In the military uniforms that they wore One young soldier even flashed me back With a “You’re Welcome” American sign Made me feel that while I waited I was making good use of my time It’s an unobtrusive way to show our gratitude To those who are willing to go into harm’s way So that we may enjoy our freedom For yet another day As I sat looking out the window On the flight taking me back home I pledged to continue to give this sign To let these young people know they’re not alone