A Poignant Moment on 11/11/11 – Veterans’ Day
Just by happenstance, I stood next to a Vietnam War veteran and a Gulf War veteran, amidst a crowd of hundreds of people, at the annual Veterans’ Day Observance at the Virginia War Memorial on today. The event was held outside under a crisp, blue sky. The crowd reflected the diversity of our community including current members of the armed forces, veterans, children, octogenarians, public officials and representatives from civic organizations. We placed our hand over our heart, we sang, we listened to speeches, we applauded, we laid wreaths. The program was appropriately respectful and inspiring. Those of us who had not served the country as a member of the military were reminded of the sacrifices that were made by service men and women and their families, so that we might enjoy the freedoms that we often take for granted. At the conclusion of the program and as we were about to depart, I turned to the men on my right and left and said, “Thank you for your service.” As we shook hands, they stared at the Red Cross pin on my lapel. They both said, “No, thank you. We could not have done what we were able to do if it were not for the Red Cross.” I felt like they were saluting the Red Cross.
I hereby relay that sense of gratitude from those men to every Red Cross staff member, paid and volunteer, who has supported the needs of our service men and women and their families throughout the years. Thank you for your service.
Reggie, very nice post — thanks much for sharing it.