Veterans Day Contest — 2022 — Dancing Elephant Press

Summary

The content describes an encounter where a veteran thanks fellow veterans for their service and reflects on the significance of gratitude and recognition for those who have served.

Abstract

The author, a veteran himself, recounts a personal experience of approaching strangers in a department store to express gratitude for their military service. He emphasizes the diversity among veterans and the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices. The individuals he encounters are touched by his recognition and express their own gratitude towards him, leading to a shared moment of appreciation. The author highlights the value of sincerity in such interactions and the impact of thanking veterans for their service to the country. He concludes by inviting readers to consider what they would say to a veteran and signs off with his name, indicating his own service in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Opinions

The author believes that the diversity of veterans is a testament to the strength and intent of the founding fathers, contributing to the greatness of American democracy.
He expresses deep gratitude and respect for the service and sacrifices made by veterans, recognizing the skills, discipline, and leadership they bring to society.
The author values the act of personally thanking veterans, considering it a sincere gesture that carries significant meaning for both the thanked and the one expressing gratitude.
He shares a personal anecdote to illustrate the mutual appreciation and connection that can arise from such encounters, emphasizing the humility and pride he felt from the exchange.
The author encourages others to engage with veterans and express their thanks, suggesting that these interactions can be deeply meaningful and humbling.

May I have a couple of minutes of your time?

Today, Veterans come in all sizes, shapes, gender, religion, and country of origin. This is exactly what the founding fathers intended. It is, in my opinion, what makes our democracy great.

So, I'm going into a department store, and two men and a woman are coming out. I have said in the past, "Excuse me, may I have a couple of minutes of your time." "They said, sure, what's going on?" So, I replied that by stopping them, they would know that what I had to say was sincere.

Many years ago, I, too, served our country. I'm honored to be speaking to you today. Thank you for the time you spent defending each other and our country. I'm so grateful for people like you that have been willing to serve our country. I sincerely hope you'll use the skills you learned, the discipline, and the other leaders' knowledge to create an extraordinary life for yourselves.

Again, thank you for your service. Then it happened, and as I started to walk away, they stopped me. They also wanted to use the moment to thank me for my service and asked when and where I served. I was proud to say I served in the Air Force and flew in and out of Danang Air Force base in Vietnam, 67' — 68'. The young woman told me, "Her dad served as I did in Vietnam but was in the Marines. He nearly died twice. He made it home, but no one ever thanked him.

So, I want to thank you, Sir, for your service and give you my appreciation. Have a great day."

That night I told the story to my wife. She asked, "How did that make you feel?" I said, "HUMBLE."

Please let us know what you would say to a Veteran.

Thank you,

DR Rawson, US Air Force Veteran

Brother Or Sister Veteran

May I have a couple of minutes of your time?