Well, this might not play well at Bob Kerrey's New School ... a little too old school for that. I'm glad to see there's still something to be said for gratitude and respect.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- A soldier said he was only showing his gratitude when (he) gave his Purple Heart to a 13-year-old student being honored for winning a contest for writing letters to American troops.
"It's important what these children do for us in sending these letters," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Trackey, after giving away the medal he received for injuries in Iraq. "The letters mean so much to us. So I thought this was a big way of giving something back to them."
Trackey and a group of fellow Fort Drum soldiers were attending a ceremony Thursday at West Genesee Middle School for seventh-grader Fatima Faisal, of Camillus, who was being honored as a regional winner in the Veteran's of Foreign Wars' Letters to the Front contest.
After Faisal received her prizes, Trackey stood and held up his Purple Heart for everyone to see. Then, he pinned it on the girl's blouse.
Fatima said she didn't know what to say or do.
"I'm touched. I'm speechless," Fatima said. "This is the sweetest thing ever."
This is a very touching example of what, to me, America is all about.
Posted by: Stella | Friday, May 26, 2006 at 05:35 PM
What a great story. I'm glad I wasn't there... I'd have boo-hooed..
Posted by: Phoenix | Friday, May 26, 2006 at 06:37 PM
How beautiful is that? Something so respectful and honoring, not to mention hard-earned, as a Purple Heart...which he unselfishly passed on to another. He should receive another one for his act of humility. Wonderful story.
Posted by: VirginiaBreeze | Friday, May 26, 2006 at 07:06 PM