Gratitude Campaign
How often have you thought you had a great idea, and after mulling it over or even chatting about it with friends, let if fall by the wayside? Today we did a story about a local guy, Scott Truitt, who thought it would be great if people had a simple gesture to express gratitude to military personnel. He's trying to teach people the American Sign Language sign for "thank you from the bottom of my heart" so it can be gestured to a member of the military without having the awkwardness of starting an entire conversation.
Not only has he produced a short video that's on YouTube and his website http://www.gratitudecampaign.org but he got the Seattle Seahawks to play it on their jumbotron before the Seahawks-Bengals game. His hope is for the gesture to become so common, no one even remembers it took a "campaign" to get it started. Do you think it'll catch on?
Comments from our readers
An excellent idea!
Brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness. Kudos to Scott Truitt and many thanks to our warriors at all levels.
Posted by: Steven Jewett | September 23, 2007 5:58 PM
Great Idea.....for the past 5-6 years I have been simply going up to people wearing any type of Veteran's clothing (baseball caps, jackets, etc), shaking their hand, and thanking them for serving our country......at Costco, Safeway, restaurants, anywhere. Some seemed almost schocked at the gesture....All appreciate it....I, myself, am a Navy Veteran (Aviation) who had hazardous flight duty , but nothing like I imagine all the Vets I go up to and Thank.
Posted by: Bruce Zelinski | September 23, 2007 8:07 PM
I saw dozens of servicemen in the Baltimore airport recently and enjoyed giving them the sign while mouthing the words "thank you". They were all so grateful! This gesture is wonderful not only for the recipients to know they are appreciated but it also inspires gratitude in the hearts of us cilivians. Thanks to Scott Truitt for having the courage and passion to share such a beautiful message. I look forward to doing my part in spreading the news about the Gratitude Campaign!
Posted by: Shannyn Flory | September 27, 2007 10:50 AM
Gratitude Campaign - I am a member of an Army National Guard Unit here in Pennsylvania and was just sent the Gratitude Campaign link by one of my unit members - it must be working! What a wonderful idea and much appreciated - I will be certain to pass it on. I truly am grateful for all the appreciation shown to all servicemembers.
Posted by: Pam in PA | December 5, 2007 9:25 AM
GREAT idea and hope it can be revisited this holiday season!
Posted by: DJS in Texas | December 11, 2007 12:20 PM
I hope this will catch on. So many times I have seen service men and women in the airport and have said nothing. Now I can say what should be said to all of them without making a scene or embarrasing myself.
Posted by: James | December 13, 2007 3:14 PM
Scott Truitt........BRILLIANCE AT ITS BEST !!! What a FABULOUS idea. I will try it on my trip to the airport this coming Thursday !!!
GOD BLESS ALL OUR TROOPS & SCOTT TRUITT !!!!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas !!!
Posted by: Linda | December 14, 2007 9:39 AM
From one Soldier to all of those who have said "Thank you," I would like to say "Thank you!"
My deployment to Iraq was truly a blessing from God and the new ways in which He has transformed my life. Thank YOU for supporting us with what we need to get the job done. Keep that flag flying and never be ashamed to call yourself an American.
Posted by: Jeremy | December 14, 2007 7:55 PM
I hope it does catch on, it's a simple but powerful gesture. We all need to be more thankful and show gratitude toward the men and women who serve our country. A little kindness goes a long way toward any fellow human being.
Posted by: Tammy | December 16, 2007 1:16 PM
I'm an Air Force brat too and love the emphasis on showing our gratitude. I wish Scott had used the "real" sign for thank you rather than inventing a new one. As long as people are grateful we'll all be better off.
Posted by: Marie | December 19, 2007 12:04 PM
As Christmas approaches, what better time for this to still be circulating - Thanks to all serving, thanks to Scott for raising awareness and giving a comfortable way for all to express feelings from the heart in a quiet, dignified and universal way. The campaign might warrant its own sign, and I understand it as it is, perhaps more universal than any other way to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. May postings still be going strong month after month.
Posted by: Sandra, NJ | December 23, 2007 6:19 AM
I love it! I always want to say thank you and do if I can , but it is awkward and sometimes not possible this makes it so easy and so possible every time. thank you Scott, from the bottom of my heart.
Posted by: Nancy Stamper | December 24, 2007 4:46 AM
Way to go Scott!
Thank you for seeing the opportunity-taking initiative with passion and commitment to spread this kind message. This can help folks may not feel comfortable approaching a “stranger” but also want to show their appreciation.
A simple gesture with so much influence.
Posted by: Jan, Heidelberg Germany | December 26, 2007 1:36 AM
WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL GESTURE OF APPRECIATION. I AM SURE IT WILL CATCH ON QUICKLY..THANK YOU SCOTT
Posted by: fran guard | December 27, 2007 3:53 PM
When we saw the Gratitude Campaign, it felt like a gift from heaven! I grew up as a military brat and my husband has been serving in the military for 21 years. So much is misunderstood in our world and Scott Truitt has found a way to help us support those that deserve our gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Scott!
Posted by: Mary | December 31, 2007 11:34 AM
Excellant idea, I travel a lot and always see Mitlitary servicemen & women in the airports. Thank you Scott for making it easier to THANK our Mitlitary Heros. God Bless
Posted by: J. Hernandez, Texas | January 9, 2008 8:32 AM
As a father who's son was KIA in Iraq I think it is important that we recognize the sacrifice our service men and women make in defense of freedom for this great nation. I'm sure all of them enjoyed being thanked for their service to our country. Thank you Scott for starting something that is very meaningful for all our service personnel.
Posted by: Terry L Vollmer | January 23, 2008 4:07 PM