My own bit of stolen valor
Walking through the parking lot of a WalMart one day last year, a woman parked her car and left it running, an old gentleman sitting in the passenger seat.
He looked like he was having a bad day. His newer jacket was covered with old patches, lovingly resewn, and he had a hat with a military insignia I didn’t recognize.
If I had to guess it was a woman taking her father for his day out of the home- or maybe picking up his meds.
I got his attention, and though I am a career civillian, I gave him the snappiest salute I could muster.
He smiled. he straightened up in his seat a bit and adjusted hs jacket, and returned the salute.
I have mixed feelings, even now, about saluting, not having ever served I technically don’t qualify to do even that- but it clearly improved his day, and if I can do that for him, it was, to me, worth it.
For all of those who served, the very best thanks I can give you is to try to live my life well.
16 comments Og | Uncategorized
Every Veterans day, up to today, I had the thought that here, I, a Vietnam vet was working and the lib teachers had the day off, bankers, etc. Most of those that didn’t serve had the day off while the vets worked.
I had to retire to get Veterans day off.
Just venting like I do ever Vets day.
Roger
Roger: Go read the Royko column at Castle Arrgh!. I agree. Only vets should have the day ioff, with pay.
Respect is universally recognized, and requires nothing more than honest intent.
Copy that, Philo.
Og, a salute is a gesture of respect, not rank. Good on ya.
What Philo said. We who have served recognize the feeling behind the gesture and appreciate it.
Ya done good. Part of it is recognizing them and showing respect for their service. Taking the time, even just a few seconds, to somehow convey that respect and recognition can make all the difference.
Used to salute my Dad on Veterans Day.
Wish I still could. (Well, I can, but he’s not here to take it.)
Nathan, trust me on this: If you salute, he’ll return it. God bless him, and God hold him in the hollow of His mighty hand.
This vet says, Og, you go right ahead & fuckin’ salute.
Nathan, Og knows of what he speaks. I suspect your dad (much like mine) is always “just over your shoulder”. Rest assured your salute was returned just as crisply delivered, followed by a metaphysical slap on the back and a “carry on son. I got your six”.
Og, the salute was given from the heart, with respect toward the one it was given to, is all that matters. You got it in one my friend, no need to worry.
Rodger, we used to always chuckle about Veterans Day while doing our “jobs” in the Navy. (“Hey wtf, it’s a day set aside for “us”, and we have to work? Stand watch[s], go on special details?” Used to always tease the new kids on the block, those who had not yet completed one enlistment … that they were not yet in the “veterans” category, so this “holiday” didn’t apply to them yet.
Says this still-commissioned and on active duty officer: You did just fine Og. There is no requirement for a civilian to salute. It is, however, very appreciated and every time it’s happened, there seems to be dust in the air.
Another civilian salute returned in a very military manner is here:
Augh. Messed up the link apparently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDMzHlkB-Yg
Today in Chatham, IL we honored Cpl. Chad Young, coming home for the last time. Hundreds if not thousands lined the streets. I stood next to a man with an American Legion hat, thanked him for his service. He liked my “Freedom is not Free” t-shirt. When the hearse passed by he said there goes a payment on that right now.
Don,
Our little hamlet laid a young Marine to rest just last week. The good truly do die young, while all of us old bastards, wish we could trade places with them, as we have lived our lives, would that they be able to do so too.
Rest Easy Cpl Young.
jetfxr69 that gave me goosebumps!
I think you did right. Once, a few years ago, I bought a poppy from an elderly veteran. He achieved surprise by saluting me; all I could think to do was to return a civilian salute (hand on heart).