Posted on 12/18/2008 6:59:08 PM PST by dware
I work in retail. On any given day, I come into contact with literally 100's of people. Young, old, rich, poor, liberal, conservative - I at least make eye contact with them and say hello, every day. But there is one segment of the population that I make a point of pointing out on EVERY occasion: those that wear some kind of indication that they have served their country.
A hat, perhaps, displaying the war they served in, for example. WORLD WAR II Veteran. VIETNAM WAR Veteran. NAVY. ARMY. UNITED STATES MARINES. Every now and again, it is a current member of the Armed Services, wearing his or her uniform and shopping for Christmas gifts with their family. Nonetheless, I make a point to tell them it is an honor to shake their hands and say "thank you".
The result is varied. Some will simply say, "You're welcome." Others will just smile, unable to say anything because they are surprised that someone would do such a thing. Still others share a small story about their experience. The following is a small assortment of their responses. I post it in hopes that it will inspire others to do the same. You would be surprised at the reactions you will get.
For example, there was the WWII vet who, after I thanked him and shook his hand, told me of being one of the ones to hit the beach at Omaha on D-Day plus 1. His duty was to establish communication lines about the area, after tending to the wounded and dead. The main thing he remembered were his brothers who had died just the day before, and the fact that he wanted to have been there a day earlier to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
Then there was the black soldier who, after returning to dock in Baltimore in the late 50's, had to hitchhike home to northern West Virginia. Along the way, he stopped at a diner to get a soda pop to drink. Despite the fact that he was dressed in full uniform and said he would drink it outside, the proprietors refused him service because of his skin color.
One of the soldiers I will never forget just smiled and said simply, "Semper Fi, brother." and moved on. His wife, a beautiful seasoned citizen pushing the cart behind him then approached me and said, "Thank you for that. He doesn't hear it enough." I walked away with tears in my eyes.
Folks, our veterans do not hear it enough. In case you are one of the few, the proud, please know that I appreciate your service. Nothing I can do today will ever match the selflessness you have displayed all of your life. It is only because of what you have done, or are doing, that I and my family can do what we do.
Thank you.
Thanks for your efforts with the Cantina. I hope this contributes in some small way.
Thank you, sir.
I always take the opportunity to thank our vets. The Nam vets faces really light up when you thank them for their service....
I’ve noticed that. Today, in fact, I thanked a Vietnam Vet. He had a smile on his face the whole time he was in the store.
God Bless them all. Thank you, dware.
Hey, we vets luvs you guys too!!!
Thank you dware. This brought a tear to each eye.
I’m on a one man crusade to thank our KOREAN WAR VETS who do NOT get the respect they deserve, although all veterans (including my father and grandfather) have nothing but my gratitude.
Thank you for what you are doing..It IS appreciated....
Everyone PLEASE remember our Middle East veterans...Don’t allow them to come home to what Viet vets faced...PLEASE!!!!!
“.Don’t allow them to come home to what Viet vets faced...PLEASE!!!!!”
NEVER, EVER, EVER! And I’m not saying that just because I’m the mother of one! Daddy raised his little girl right!
Hey Boonie68-69,
Welcome Home, brother!!!!
I have a vet help at the thrift store.He lied about his age to join and his 2 brothers joined too.He tells me stories and tells me to watch my back.He had a heart monitor on for a few days.I told him I was going to punch him to test it :)He watches over us as he did in the war.He is 78 years young.
Thank you for giving us another chance to thank our nation’s finest citizens.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to leave family, friends & familiar places to serve. My admiration for those who have done so is immense.
So thank you, all members of the United States Armed Services, current and past. When I think of you, or see you, or meet you, I feel so proud of our country. So proud you are my fellow citizen.
Here is a link to part 1 of 13.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx1Q2fFBB6A&feature=related
Thank you, man............
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