I'm a reservist in the Air Force. A few years ago, I filled an assignment to our nation's capital. One afternoon, with a few hours to myself, I visited the new World War II Memorial. As I wandered about, I saw an elderly gentleman wearing a baseball cap with a military insignia -- obviously a veteran. He was frail and required help navigating the memorial's steps.
I was in uniform at the time. As I passed by, I snapped to, and gave him my best salute. "Sir, thank you," was all I said. Immediately, his eyes begin to mist up, and I walked on. It felt good to acknowledge the gentleman, but I wanted to be on my way. Even though I had spent quite a few years in service, I had never seen combat and was unlikely to ever do so. I feared the ensuing conversation.
