As I was waiting for my flight from the Bay Area to San Diego in the Southwest ‘A’ line, I noticed that a young Marine walked up and went behind me in the line. Actually, there was one other person behind me and the Marine was behind that person.

When the boarding announcement was made and the line started moving, the gentleman behind me asked the Marine to go ahead of him, and then, the lady in front of me asked him to go ahead of her too!

Now, I understand that he is doing something brave and bold by enlisting himself in the Marines. I also understand that he is serving the country and it is a huge honor.

But I would not have let him go ahead just because he is a Marine. I let ladies go ahead of me if we were at the line at the same time. I would let elders go ahead of me regardless. I would let ladies take my seat if I was sitting and they were standing (not applicable to planes of course). I would let elders take my seat.

But armed forces? No. Why should I? I don’t think I am insulting them but I am just trying to make a point that they are honorable but not so much that you let them take your seat or take your place in lines.