Have we forgotten those serving in Afghanistan (both our forces and those of other nations)?

I know I am guilty of focusing primarily on Iraq, as that is where the news seems mired daily.

Via, US Central Command one of those feel good stories we seldom see.

THE REAL KITE RUNNERS FLYING THE AFGHAN SKIES

Even though best-selling books have painted pictures of Afghan children flying colorful kites high in blue skies against backdrops of snow-capped mountains that tower over quaint villages, not all Afghan children are fortunate enough to own such simple, yet wonderful toys.

However, when the Polish Battle Group arrived in Ghazni province’s Andar district near the end of June, the local children were finally able to take part in an activity shared by children in almost all countries in the world: flying kites.

Please take a few minutes to read the entire press release. If you have children or grandchildren, it is sure to put a smile on your face especially when you read how the simplest things we take for granted are cherished by these youngsters.

Everywhere they went, children crowded around the vehicles as the smiling soldiers pulled out boxes of shoes, clothes, school supplies and toys. But the biggest hit of all were the multi-colored kites that the soldiers unfolded for them.

With big grins and excited chattering, the children jumped up and down shouting, “Patang! Patang!” (the Pashto word for kite.)

Soon the sky had several of the yellow, green and red kites with International Security Assitance Forces logos flying, much to the delight of the children dancing around below.

“These kites are so much fun,” said Mahmad-Amid Hahn, a 12-year- old boy, as he made whooping sounds while his kite dipped and swerved in the air. “The Taliban would never give us these things.”

Thanks to the troops who gave these children a little bit of sunshine..that should be a basic right of every child.