Random Ramblings
As many of you know, my job is in downtown DC, smack dab in the middle of the monuments, etc. My office looks out at the Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery is behind that. Awesome. Sometimes working in DC, surrounded by constant political bickering and gossip, etc. gets a bit much, but not today . . . There is a Holiday Inn across the street from my office, where I park. I went through the lobby today on my way to the garage and had one of those moments that make you stop and think. The lobby was full of elderly veterans -- obviously in DC for Memorial Day weekend. Many were there with their wives and frankly, these were the WWII and Korean War vets for sure. So frail and proud -- sipping Starbucks! Thank you soldiers. Well done.
What a great story for this weekend Joan! A great reminder for us all to stop and remember what this holiday weekend is actually for - rememberance of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
ReplyDeleteOkay, this brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, Joan.
ReplyDeleteAmen again! You just gave me cold chills - great entry today. I was at lunch with my Mom and grandfather last Saturday and there were 2 soldiers sitting at a table eating lunch. A very nice man walked up, shook their hands, and bought their lunch. It made me very happy to see that kind of appreciation for "our boys"!
ReplyDeleteI got chills as well when I read this. The perfect visual came to my mind from reading your story, and I thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Joan. It's an important reminder of just why we have this three day weekend to enjoy...humbling, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful moment that must have been!
ReplyDeleteLast weekend while out shopping there was an elderly veteran outside one store, collecting donations with their red poppies. I carry little cash these days, since it's so much faster and easier to use the debit card, and felt so bad that I only had a few dollars on me. A pity, too, that our veterans must continue to raise extra funds for programs and hospitals in this manner.
Thank you for sharing that moment, Joan. A few of my random ramblings...Both of our fathers were WWII vets, mine in the Navy in the Pacific and my hubby's in the Army in Europe. It will be 37 years next month that my brother was killed in Vietnam. I remember the day the officers came to the door like it was yesterday. Our HS marching band will march in the parade on Monday, ending at the cemetery. I was so proud of them last fall when their award winning program was a tribute to Pearl Harbor. Thank you to all who serve.
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ReplyDeleteawoodrn said...
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather is a WWII vet who received a silver star & purple heart, I am very appreciative of people who take time to stop & think of what those soldiers & all soldiers fighting for our freedom sacificed for us. Thank you Joan.
Excellent story to remind us all that we should appreciate our Veterans. I call my grandpa on Memorial Day to thank him for his service and I'm the only one that does.
ReplyDeleteIf you can go to the go to a Memorial Day service in your town. The veterans ALL appreciate your support!
(Can you tell I'm a now retired Army wife?)
Thanks Joan. I know exactly where you were talking about. My DH is retired from HHS. My dad worked for the Navy Dept the whole time I was growing up. We need these reminders, lest we forget how much we owe these men and women.
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome! Thanks for sharing! My dad is a Vietnam vet and I just never really understood how much sacrifice nor fully appreciated what he did for our country until I was in high school. I'm so thankful for all the things that our soldiers have done for us!
ReplyDelete~Angie
My dad is a member of this elite and decreasing group of veterans. I am so proud of him, an all of our troops past and present. TFS.
ReplyDeleteMy DH was in the Navy and then Navy reserves. One year that he will never forget, his group went to DC for their 2 week active duty training around the Memorial Day holiday. His CO had told them to bring their dress uniforms for that weekend and surprised them all with a "field trip" on Memorial Day itself, all dressed up in their whites, to the different monuments. DH is still moved to near tears when he talks about that day and how many people talked to them and thanked them for their service. All our vets deserve our appreciation. I'm glad you reminded us of the importance of thanking our older vets today.
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