Veterans Day

Quick funny story. Last weekend, we drove down to Fresno to visit my wife's aunt and uncle. Her uncle (GH) is recovering from two strokes. All things considered, he's doing quite well and will hopefully continue to make strong progress in his recovery. While we were visiting, GH and I decided to go to a movie. He is a big movie fan and can't get out the movies as easily anymore. We decided to see Flags of Our Fathers, the new Clint Eastwood movie about raising the flag at Iwo Jima. Given the strokes, GH needs a walker to get around. As we were coming out the movie, a woman came up to GH and said "I bet you're a veteran". Apparently every "disabled" person who goes to a WWII movie must be a veteran. Turns out that GH was in the Air Force and the woman was happy to discover that. She shook GH's hand, thanked him for his service, and commented that he must be excited that Veterans Day was coming up. Then she went on her way. I commented to GH that I hadn't known he had been in the Air Force for two years but left it at that.

After we got out of the theater, I had to run and get the car. We had forgetten the handicapped tag for the car so I had dropped off GH and then parked in the main lot. As I returned with the car, I found GH talking to a man and his family. They had actually sat directly behind us during the movie. Like the first woman, the man was thanking GH for his service to our country and shaking his hand. Then he turned to me, shook my hand, and told me how lucky I am to have GH (which I am), and went on his way. More intrigued, I asked GH if he had seen combat - to which he replied "I was a dentist in the Air Force for two years to serve out my ROTC commitment" (and it was during the Vietnam War, not WWII). I just love the conclusions that people jump to.

To be clear, we should honor our veterans (including GH). Their sacrifice is so often forgotten. We owe them a debt of gratitude that is not easily repaid. Thank you! [For those interested in videos, see also this tribute or this commercial.] We should also remember the service and sacrifice of others - both big and small. Whether it is caring for a veteran, a patient, or someone in need, the everyday service of so many people goes unnoticed and underappreciated. Thank you! We can all learn from your example.

Today is Veterans Day. Enjoy your big day, GH!