Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Gratitude Campaign
"The Story of How This Got Started"
"For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching Soldiers in airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more Service Men & Women and Veterans. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.
"I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.
"Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say 'thank you from the bottom of my heart.'"
-Scott Truitt, FOUNDER, The Gratitude Campaign
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/
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4 comments:
ASL American sign language. Thank you is almost exactly the same in sign language. Stealing from the deaf and not giving credit where due. It's a nice gesture, but plagiarism just ticks me off. Give kudos where it's gotten.
Huck, their website gives credit: http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/sign.php, but you're right, I thought it was ASL (my ex-sister-in-law knew some) and expected the video to explain.
I have seen people try to say thank you to troops and it sometimes looks awkward for both parties. I don't go out of my way, but I also try to do what feels right and fits the situation.
Most recently I was in San Diego on a trip a couple of weeks ago (bet KK saw me there) and went for a morning run. There was a group of Navy recruits (judging from their shirts) running. I gave them a little round of applause as we passed each other. They seemed to enjoy it...it just worked in that situation.
Nifty. I might give it a try.
Huck, I too recognized it was sign language. It could have been spelled out more, I guess. We should all be more versed in sign language. When I'm around someone who is deaf, I am embarrassed that I don't know more.
Hale, nope, missed you this time... Maybe you finally invested in that invisibility cloak?
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