The Pride Of An Army Veteran

I had to stifle a giggle with what I was seeing. It was truly one of the cutest and most odd things I have ever witnessed in my life.

I was leaving the grocery store, and as I walked across the parking lot, I saw an elderly gentleman standing beside his shiny black car. I could not quite tell what he was doing at first, though it was obvious he was intent on something very important. As I got closer, I saw that he was dusting his car off with a feather duster! This struck me as hilarious, and I struggled to stifle my giggle as I passed, watching him painstakingly clean any speck of dirt he could find from his beauty.

When I got behind his car, I saw his license plate. My heart skipped a beat with pride and gratitude as I realized that he is an Army Veteran.

No wonder he takes such pride in his belongings! He does not take for granted the many things we as a nation see as every day things. His car was not brand new… newer, but not brand spanking new. But you would never know it by the looks of it, or the great care he took to keep it looking nice and shiny!

As I backed out of my parking spot, I rolled my window down and thanked him for his service to this great nation. I wish you could have seen the gleam in his eyes as he tipped his head at me, nodded and smiled, as he said, “You are most welcome!” I wished him a Merry Christmas, to which he returned the Merry Christmas greeting heartily to me. What a great nation we live in! Sadly, too many of us take it for granted, and sit idly by as our freedoms slip quickly away from us.

This man has not forgotten what he fought for. I will never forget his beautiful, twinkling eyes, so alive and proud, even in his elder years!