A couple weeks ago I was having breakfast at a place I hadn't been in for years and something neat happened, I just thought Memorial Day would be a good day to share this story...
I was seated in a section where the waitress only had one other table. The restaurant was virtually empty but for myself and three men at the table right next to me. I remember thinking 'this place has 25 empty tables, 10 booths and they sit me at the table right next to three burly old guys in leather jackets'?
I just figured the waitress didn't want to run all over to refill coffees and didn't ask to move, whatever got me coffee quickest was fine with me!
Just like every other morning I ordered up coffee, breakfast, checked text, email and Facebook to see what was up in the (my) world.
After a couple minutes I started to notice the men at the adjacent table again. This time upon further attention I noticed they were all wearing jackets and hats with a similar logo & the word 'Veteran' proudly displayed.
Seeing that word changed my day and attitude in a flash... In fact, two days later it still gets me.
See where I'm from that word 'Veteran' commands respect. It brings to mind being told about sacrifice and honor as a child. Seeing classmates being deployed and remembering friends I lost in my college years. And the worry and pride I felt for the youth I coached who've served recently.
I noticed they were talking pretty seriously so I decided I'd keep my normal 'witty personality' to myself. No "beautiful day out there" or "nice little bikes (big harleys) you boys (old men) are riding" would come out of my mouth this morning. I remained silent only saying yes and thank you to the waitress upon food delivery and coffee refill. It's amazing how respectful of others one becomes when respectful men are around.
After a little bit I started to put it together, why they were there together and talking so seriously...
These gentlemen were part of special group of Veterans sometimes called 'Escorts of the Fallen'. These are the men you see on motorcycles and in trucks and vans that lead and follow the flag covered caskets from O'Hare airport to funeral homes of the soldier's families.
They discussed their plans for the day and took it all very seriously. The word solemn is a big understatement, but that's what it was and how they do it. I've passed by them on the highway... No smiles, no waves, nothing but pridefully being a veteran serving a veteran and his family one last time. About the most you'll get is a nod when you take your hat off as they pass.
I sat there drinking my coffee thinking of them and their lives and their sacrifice and this service. This service they had preformed many times before and intended to provide that day again. I was just at a loss to imagine it, sacrificing more time voluntarily after sacrificing so much already and for a kid I'm guessing none of them even knew.
I finished breakfast and I wanted to thank them, shake their hands, tell them all the great liberties I'm thankful for...
I want to say something to them that mattered, something they'd appreciate...
Maybe tell them how I was raising my children to respect this country and it's flag, maybe even that my kids saw a live bald eagle at the zoo the other day and how I told them how important that bird is and what it represents... I could even brag about my Uncle Joe who was a Full Bird Colonel and had his own base... but there was not enough time, I didn't want to bother them and I really didn't want to break up their important discussion.
The waitress delivered my check and I headed to the front to pay. As I got further and further from them I became overwhelmed with the feeling I missed an opportunity to thank them. Then I tried to find and found an excuse... I'd look like an idiot walking up and interrupting their breakfast order just to communicate a thanks. Hell, a thanks didn't feel like enough anyway... So I decided to get out of there...
There I was standing in front of the cashier, a craft/antique hen thingy taking up 1/4 of the space on the counter next to the register and credit card machine. I thought "where am I supposed to sign this receipt"? As I grabbed my corporate card and added my tip I saw a little sign on the hen said 'gift certificates'.
I don't want to go into it, but I bought one for enough, wrote "thanks for your service" on the back and gave it to their waitress to give to them after I left.
I don't want you to think I told you the last part to take credit or look better in your eyes. I'm a dad now and frankly I only care about what my children think of me. The reason I shared this part was because as I drove away I was overwhelmed with a great feeling. The knowledge that those men knew that someone out here remembered what they did for this country and appreciated it still makes me feel good inside two weeks later.
I'm not saying you need to buy every veteran breakfast or even a cup of coffee, but it's not too much to ask to raise an American flag today or maybe even just say a little prayer for the fallen and people serving now. The least you should do is teach your children that the people who served are to be respected and honored on a day like today.
Thanks to the men and women who've served and continue to serve.
