The definition of a hero may differ from one individual to another but there are also times when someone steps up to the plate and becomes a true hero to many people. That was the case with Elizabeth Laird, an inspirational woman known for hugging soldiers who were returning from and going to war.
She was typically known as the “Hug Lady” by the soldiers at Fort Hood and since she started giving hugs in 2003, has given this treat to half a million soldiers. She was even recognized for her work by Pres. George W. Bush, who recently sent her a note. At the time of her passing, she was 83 years old.
In 2005, she received a diagnosis of breast cancer but decided not to go through with chemotherapy when she was admitted to the hospital in November. She was also a veteran of the Air Force and after her retirement, she continued to volunteer for the Salvation Army at Fort Hood. Many soldiers continue to remember the day that they receive their special gift from the “hug lady.”
During her most recent stay in the hospital, many soldiers visited her to pay their respects. She had impacted so many soldiers in a positive way through her lifetime. Many of the soldiers who visited Laird spent a considerable amount of time with her, using her as a sounding board and telling her about their lives. There were doing everything they could to pay her back for the kindness that she showed. In addition, a Gofundme account had been established to pay for her medical expenses.
(Images: Trish Sigrist)
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