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"Thanks to Those Who Served" by Jim Priest
This past week my dad and I traveled to Washington D.C. to visit the recently dedicated World War II Veterans’ Memorial. Dad is an 83 year old veteran of WWII and was very interested to see the new memorial, as well as the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. For good measure we also toured the new Franklin Roosevelt memorial. It was appropriate we should visit so many Memorials because the trip was so memorable.
I don’t get to spend as much time with Dad as I’d like, since we live in different states. So the memorial tour was a good time of conversation, bonding, as well as sightseeing. We talked and toured. We read inscriptions and took photos. After visiting the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial we stopped along the street to look at military patches and pins for sale at a booth. Dad pointed out a replica of the Combat Infantry badge he had earned years ago, but had somewhere misplaced along the way.
I bought him the replica badge and, over a mild protest, pinned it to his shirt. That badge prompted the most memorable part of the trip.
As we walked toward the Korean War Memorial a young man of military background approached us, recognized the significance of dad’s pin, and inquired "Were you in the War, Sir?" Dad straightened to attention and replied, "Yes, I was." As the young man continued, Dad cocked his head to hear out of the one good ear not perforated by gunfire. "Where did you serve, Sir?" the young man continued. "The European theatre", Dad reported. "Well, Sir, I want to thank you for your service to the country and for securing our freedom" the young man said, pumping my dad’s hand with sincerity. Dad was visibly moved and finally responded, "You’re quite welcome. Thank you for thanking me."
A short time later, the same thing happened again. Different location. Different young man. Similar words and sentiments expressed. After the second young man left, Dad turned to me and said, "It was worth the trip just for that. Those two guys are the only ones who have ever thanked me, other than you."
Dad was talking about a little tradition I started a few years ago. I have started calling him each Veteran’s Day to thank him for fighting in the war. I think I got started after reading Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation. My gratitude, never expressed, was long overdue.
Maybe your expression of gratitude is over due too. Undoubtedly, there is someone in your family who served in the armed forces. Perhaps it is a parent, sibling, child or cousin. Maybe they served in Europe, the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, or stateside. Whomever they are and wherever they served, take a moment this week to thank them for helping secure your freedom. Your expression of gratitude will be a living memorial they’ll appreciate more than you know.
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