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Means a lot
Off the Wall
July 3, 2008
The other day I was shopping at the Westmoreland
Mall with my wife. She had to buy wedding shower gifts. I was
as patient as any man can expected to be milling over a number
of items that honestly seemed to bore me.
I remember the old days when these type gift items
were purchased. It was simple. There was no list to follow. It
didn't take five hours to find just the right thing, and the
investment was minimal comparatively, at least that was my understanding.
Of course, I never did buy those types of purchases, so how would
I really know.
So after browsing a bit with the little woman, I
told her I would go over to a bench and sit down. My feet were
beginning to talk to me, and I thought it best to give them a
rest.
Thinking I would just be there for no more than one half hour,
I figured the break would do me good all the way around.
Finally after a lengthy period of time, my wife showed
up, and we moved on. Mistakenly, I thought that was it. I was
beginning to visualize life on the "outside."
We moved down a good number of stores until we got to
the food court. Upon arriving, she informed me she had a question
she needed to ask one of the sales people at the store from where
she bought the precious gift, and felt compelled to return. Swell.
So, I plopped myself down on another seat and proceeded
to watch the people. I thought to myself, "Isn't it strange
how many persons who shop here, and there isn't anyone from Latrobe."
Just then, I heard some commotion behind me and
decided to turn around. I noticed a decorated marine shaking
the hand of a young fellow at a booth. What quickly came to mind
was the commercial that has been aired on the television recently
that we should all take time out if we see a soldier and extend
our hands and tell them thanks.
So, after he left the lad's table and headed in
my direction, I did something I've never done before. I reached
out my hand, looked in his eyes, and said, "Thank you!"
His response "Thank you! That means a
lot to me!"
That was somewhat of a turning point for me, I have
to admit. I started to think of our soldiers overseas or wherever
they are stationed and what they are doing to keep our country
free. I shouldn't admit this, but I actually got a tear in my
eye. It was more than a handshake. It led to an emotional experience
of sorts.
I have to admit, that before that commercial appeared
on the screen, I may have seen military personnel in the malls,
at the airports, or walking down the streets, but I it never
occurred to hasten over to them and extend my appreciation for
all they did, are doing, and will do in the future. It shed a
whole new light on things.
We have certainly gone through a number of wars
since the birth of our wonderful country. I have only to hope
that these fellows in uniform weren't passed over and seen but
not recognized for their valiant efforts.
Sometimes, I think movies cast a negative picture
on our service men. They show sailors coming to shore from their
ships, piling into bars, drinking a bit too much and being fancy
free with the women. Never have I seen some stranger approach
an enlisted member of our military thanking them for standing
up to the enemy putting their lives on the line.
Tomorrow, we will be celebrating the Fourth of July.
There will be many soldiers taking part in the parade. On behalf
of your country, sincerely tell them, "Thank you!"
That's the least you can do, and I have no doubt, they'll appreciate
your gesture.
Paul J. Volkmann
06/16/08
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