You Aren't Really Living

A few weeks ago we were told of a service being held at the Soldiers Field Memorial Wall. The Khe Sanh Veterans were having their annual reunion in Rochester this year, and were having a memorial on Friday night.   After the service, we were introduced to one of the vets from New York.  Neil was an energetic, passionate man.  He invited us to be guests at the banquet that rounded out the weeks events, the following evening.  Never ones to turn down a free meal, we accepted.

We had a wonderful meal and nice conversation with Neil, his wife, and another family who had lost their husband and father only a few months earlier.  There was a short program after dinner.  Neil, being part of the board of directors spoke, and invited us up to the front to introduce us.  This was not expected, and with a room full of Vietnam Vets who served in a very volatile area, we were humbled that they would give us a standing ovation, when it was US who should be doing it for them. 

This display is only one of many of the times we have run into service members and vets that have showed how humble they are.  For people to give their all for our country, then downplay what they have done, says so much about their character.  Another time we met a WWII vet who's first introduction to war was the Battle of the Bulge.  During the fight he was captured.  When I thanked him for his service, his reply was, "Why would you thank me?  I only made it through 3 days in combat!"  As if the 13 months as a POW didn't count!

I am continually awed when I meet these hero's.  To be in their presence makes me look at my situation in a different light.  I can take some of their strength and wisdom to make a tragic incident in my life and make something good of it.  I can straighted my back a bit more and hold my head high and vow to make the life of the next parent, next wounded warrior, or the next person who is suffering a bit better. 

Another quote from the WWII vet rings true, "If you haven't had some pain in your life, you aren't really living."  I guess it takes some pain to truly understand what life is really about.