Off topic....but....A glimpse of America

[Tommie]

Wow

 

[ED3]

I had just finished shopping in the local supermarket. A few high clouds and a brisk breeze. Perfect day for March but this was the middle of April.
I rounded a large turn and there is a small rural cemetery to my right. Usually empty but a black hearse stood out amongst the gray ground and barren trees. Looking closer I saw an Army soldier in his dress uniform. I was driving so that was all I caught with my eyes. I went another 200 yards and I realized I had to go back. I did and parked at the side of the road where a fence runs along to separate it from the cemetery. Got out and zipped up my jacket. Actually colder than summer in San Francisco. I saw the flag draped coffin. The flag was absolutely brilliant against a drab background. Then 25 feet beyond the casket I took a close look at the soldier. Bugle under his arm in a well fitted dress uniform. The shine from his shoes stood out even at this distance. He was standing to attention and though the wind was blowing smartly he was rock solid. I looked at the flag covered casket again. In this rather dismal weather beaten setting, the flag and the soldier were stark contrasts. Brilliant reds, strong blues, almost reflective on the white stripes. The soldier in his dress uniform was unwavering. My eyes kept going back and forth between the two and the barren gray cemetery faded into an obscure blur.
I walked up to the fence and zipped my jacket up all the way.. Not because of the chill but to somehow sharpen my appearance. When I reached the fence a woman appeared on the opposite side.
" If you are here for the service you have to walk around to get through", she said.
"No, no but thanks. I stopped because I see it's a veteran being buried and I only spotted the lone bugler."
"The service starts at noon and there is some family coming."
"OK, and thanks again", I said.
"You are a vet also right?", she asked.
"Yes, there was a time....but why would you suspect that?"
"I had a feeling, and you thought he was alone didn't you?"
" I did, I certainly did."
"He is not and thank you for your service."
I stepped back a few paces, came to attention, and snapped the best salute I could, and walked back to the car.
I had actually only gone out for hamburger rolls.
America can be, at times, an enlightening place at the strangest moments.

Thank You for your post, your respectful actions, and your service.

Yesterday, the day the above was posted, would have been my dad's 99th birthday.

He was 30 yrs US Army.

He passed away the spring of 2011. For his funeral, we were fortunate to have been provided the honor guard from the 34th Infantry, his WWII unit.
At his graveside service, in a small cemetery in the midst of a quiet neighborhood, it was during the rifle salute, before Taps were blown...that quite seemingly, out of nowhere, a man appeared in the center of the adjacent city street intersection, in full view of everyone at the grave site. Dressed in cutoff shorts, a sleeveless white t-shirt, wearing sandals and shoulder length hair. I must admit my first thought was one of apprehension, and I momentarily considered how I would protect my mother, seated in the front row as I stood behind her should this guy 'do something stupid'. My anxiety was short lived.
As Taps began he snapped to attention, and saluted through the duration of the music.

As we stood there in silence, I'm quite sure every sleeve was tugged, and every shoulder nudged to solemnly, and discretely draw attention to this man.
When Taps concluded, he did an about-face, and melted into the neighborhood.
For a brief moment, at what was an otherwise tough time, the distraction this man provided, and what it represented was a wonderful gift to my family, and my dad's few remaining friends in attendance.
Every visit to the cemetery I drive through those streets hoping to somehow find this gentleman. Wherever, and whoever he is, he is remembered fondly by me and my family.

 

[KMart]

Thank You for your post, your respectful actions, and your service.

Yesterday, the day the above was posted, would have been my dad's 99th birthday.

He was 30 yrs US Army.

He passed away the spring of 2011. For his funeral, we were fortunate to have been provided the honor guard from the 34th Infantry, his WWII unit.
At his graveside service, in a small cemetery in the midst of a quiet neighborhood, it was during the rifle salute, before Taps were blown...that quite seemingly, out of nowhere, a man appeared in the center of the adjacent city street intersection, in full view of everyone at the grave site. Dressed in cutoff shorts, a sleeveless white t-shirt, wearing sandals and shoulder length hair. I must admit my first thought was one of apprehension, and I momentarily considered how I would protect my mother, seated in the front row as I stood behind her should this guy 'do something stupid'. My anxiety was short lived.
As Taps began he snapped to attention, and saluted through the duration of the music.

As we stood there in silence, I'm quite sure every sleeve was tugged, and every shoulder nudged to solemnly, and discretely draw attention to this man.
When Taps concluded, he did an about-face, and melted into the neighborhood.
For a brief moment, at what was an otherwise tough time, the distraction this man provided, and what it represented was a wonderful gift to my family, and my dad's few remaining friends in attendance.
Every visit to the cemetery I drive through those streets hoping to somehow find this gentleman. Wherever, and whoever he is, he is remembered fondly by me and my family.

Good people will do the right thing when it is least expected.

 

[mr45man]

If this don't bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face then you ain't right.

Both eyes.

 

[Shynloco]

Chuck,
In the years that we've known each other, never knew you to be a "writer" who could put to words, an event that clearly demonstrates sensitivity, feeling, honor and a respect that only those who served, could appreciate all that you wrote. But your words and actions, reminds us of the lasting tribute that many of us feel when seeing a US Flag draped casket accompanied by uniformed military personnel. And I feel and have the same reaction whenever I see or visit the Vietnam Memorial, even the portable one that I've seen from time to time. Comes complete with tears as others have expressed. God Bless you, our Country and all those who serve and have served.

My best as always,
Alex

 

[balloonpilot9513]

This hit a particular cord with me.
I found out that my 92 yo father has at most a few weeks left.
He served in the First Infantry Division in Germany during WWII.
Has a purple heart and was a POW for 6 months in Germany.
I can not be more proud to be his son for the man he is and the service he provided to secure our rights and freedoms.
He is the best person I know and there is no one on the face of this earth that I respect more!
He will be dearly missed once he is gone.
I love you Dad.

 

[thejamesd]

I want to quote every reply........well said by all.