Post #162362 by TikiGardener on Mon, May 30, 2005 1:46 PM

I remember being in New York City on Memorial day a few years ago. I was standing on the corner of 8th ave and 14th street. Across the street I could see a man of many years standing in the rush of people that is New York. He had a handful of sad platic red poppies, and was trying to get people to contribute whatever they had for VFW. Being New York, no one saw him there but me. Behind me were about 15 sailors in dress whites. They always have fleet week the week of Memorial day. I did what no New Yorker does, I ( all 6'5" of long haired freak ) turned and asked them if they would do something special. They looked a bit puzzled but when I told them what I was thinking they agreed whole heartedly.

We crossed the street, and as we were nearing, the gentleman and I made eye contact. He seemed taken aback seeing what he could have thought was some anti war hippy strinding purposely towards him.

I reached out and asked his name and shook his hand firmly. I asked where and when he served, and had a pleasant conversation. I told him I thought it was a shame that people didn't notice him and turned to the sailors and said; "this is for you". With that the sailors snapped to and gave a perfect salute in unison. I thanked them and him, giving him all the money in my pocket.

I walked to the train station, the look on his face firmly planted in my mind.

I never told dad that story, but it was for him.

If you see a veteran today, stop and thank them.