Tag: serve

10 MARCH 2013

There he stood… tall and strong, somehow much older than his 19 years. The crease of his maroon beret, the proud symbol of a U.S. Airborne combat solder, was sharp and it fell exactly so over the side just touching the top of the ear. Everything about him showed that he took pride in his accomplishment and in serving his country. Of course, for dad also a veteran, his son is great source of pride in him. A father once said, ‘No matter what your children do, part of it rests on the parents. And that is regardless whether it is good or bad!’

What struck Dad on this day were two things. First, the number of people in public who took the time to walk up to his son and say “Thank you for serving!”  That was refreshing even to dad’s ears, especially since dad is a Vietnam era vet.  Then came the second, most amazing response that he heard his son say each time he received a ‘thank you.’ With a polite smile and a nod of his head, the son simply replied, “It’s an honor.”

On this particular day, the principal and teachers at Tuslaw Elementary School facilitated a surprise for two of their students, the niece (in kindergarten) and nephew (1st grade) of a soldier. What a joy to see the excitement in their eyes when their hero appeared!

Thank You to all our men and women in uniform! It’s an honor to be served by you.