Veteran's Day 2006

Although the morning was bitter cold, we were temperate within; warm and thankful because of Veteran's Day and so we went downtown to honor those who have given so much, and sometimes all, for the rest of us who can merely stand on the sidewalk and watch as heroes go by.

Smiles abounded, friendliness widespread, and gratefulness because of them.

At one point a gust of wind blew a small American flag into the street where it landed on the cement and among fallen leaves. Almost immediately a female soldier with caramel colored hair and green eyes broke rank and rushed into the street where she picked the Flag from the street, caught my eye, smiled, and asked if I would hold it. I smiled back and said I'd be honored, and I was; privileged to have met a soldier whose one small act of thoughtfulness spoke volumes. Through her action I was able to see how much our Country meant to her and how she couldn't bear to see the United States Flag, no matter how small, left lying on the ground; discarded and alone. This was the Flag she stood below, saluted, served, and was willing to die for.

A short time later an elderly man, a veteran from World War II, slowly made his way to the corner so that he could catch a glimpse of the parade. My children and I moved out of the way and I looked down at him as he sat in his chair and noticed his eyes were glistening. He watched silently as soldiers of all ages passed by and behind his grey eyes were emotion and memories. He was noticeably cold and a gentleman nearby approached him and gave him some black gloves to wear, which the man gratefully accepted. He looked at my children and I asked if they could have their picture taken with him and his eyes lit up as he answered yes. He told me he was blessed because he had seven grandsons and one granddaughter; certainly a life well lived in the Country he loved so much. I shook his hand and thanked him and tried to calm the growing sentiment I was feeling.

Before me I noticed that the contingent of World War II Veterans was smaller than the year before and I will miss their courageous and patriotic presence as they go home at a rate of well over 1,000 a day.

But then…hope followed with the marching of Boy Scouts and High School JROTC members. How lucky am I to be surrounded by such brave and selfless people?

And then there was stillness as the POW/MIA flag approached, waving its potent message in the air; a silent but palpable representation of our courageous lost.

Among the cheers, smiles and tears were the gratitude of thousands and while our patriotic hearts can't say thank you enough, we are indeed the lucky ones to share American soil with our veterans; past, present and future.