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.
Thank you for caring. I live in a military town with a target rich environment...I never tire of thanking my brothers and sisters in arms and the response is much like what you’ve experienced.
I’ve also heard from a 2-3 older vets who are very anti-war. They don’t want anyone to go through what they did. It doesn’t change the fact that I respect them for their service; perhaps even more so because of the emotional scars they carry.
Stay safe and take care.
What a touching thread and thanks for putting the word out there to Thank our Veterans. Hopefully, more people will let our Vets and those currently serving, know how much they are appreciated for what they have sacrificed. Every chance I get, I make sure they know. Thank you Vets and Troops!
BTTT
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