Since the first Gulf War in 1991, a group of veterans and townspeople from around Bangor Maine have greeted every troop flight that arrives or departs from Bangor International Airport.
The Bangor Airport (which incidentally is also a designated emergency airport for the Space Shuttle) is the last major US airport between Europe and the United States, which makes it a stop for many transatlantic flights.
Slublog over at the Hot Air Greenroom explains:
I’ve been at the airport a couple of times when troop flights have arrived, and it’s a moving experience. Soldiers file in and the minute they enter the terminal, the troop greeters start applauding, shaking hands and hugging the troops. In the troop greeter room, soldiers are given access to snacks and free cell phones they can use to call loved ones. Although I’ve never been a formal part of the troop greeting, I have taken the opportunity to shake a hand or clap for those who serve our country.
The greeters are the subject of a new documentary, called The Way We Get By. Trailer below.
The movie is in limited release, but will be shown on PBS this Veteran’s Day.
Those of you moved enough to donate to this worthy cause, can do so here.
On the Web: TWwGb Movie Site, Maine Troop Greeters Home Page, PBS
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Any readers in New York interested in going to see this movie, the organizers of this film festival wanted me to pass this on:
July 10th
The Way We Get By
Through greeting troops at a tiny airport in Maine, three senior citizens find the strength to conquer their greatest fears and transform their lives. An inspiring and heartbreaking documentary about an extraordinary commitment to simple acts of kindness.
OPEN BAR AFTER-PARTY FOLLOWING THE SCREENING FOR ALL IN ATTENDANCE.
Venue: On the lawn of Automotive High School
Address: 50 Bedford Ave. @ North 13th St. (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Directions: L to Bedford Ave. or G to Nassau Ave.
Rain: In the event of rain the show will be held indoors at the same location
8:00PM: Doors open
8:30PM: Live music presented by Sound Fix Records (http://www.soundfixrecords.com/)
9:00PM: Film
10:30PM: Filmmaker Q & A
11:30PM-1:00AM: After-party: Open Bar at Matchless (http://www.barmatchless.com/) 557 Manhattan Ave. @ Driggs, Courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner (http://www.radeberger.de/)
Tickets: $9 at the door or online
Presented in partnership with: Cinereach, New York Magazine, City Council Member David Yassky & Automotive High School
Ticketing link:
http://newyork.going.com/event-618864;Rooftop_Films_The_Way_We_Get_By
No refunds. In the event of rain, the show will be indoors at the same location. Seating is first come, first served. Physical seats are limited. This means you may not get a chair. You are welcome to bring a blanket and picnic.