This afternoon I was at Wal-Mart and my wife and I decided to stop at the McDonald's in the store for a soda. As I was getting ready to sit down I noticed two men as well as a 12 or 13 year old sitting at the table next to ours. They had on their leather jackets, chaps and boots. I noticed their jackets with all the patches, the largest being "Combat Veteran". The name tag on the front said "Wingnut", "Desert Storm and POW patches also were part of the jacket. As I was looking over the jacket and all of the patches my wife asked why I was staring at the man. I said I was looking at his jacket. How could I tell her I was trying not to be overcome by emotion seeing the pride he has for serving his country. I find it hard to describe my feelings at that point in time. I wanted to go over and visit with them about their service, where they served, how it was coming back to the World and on and on. Unfortunately, I could not. I was so afraid they would find out that I was a Vietnam Veteran. How would they look at me? Like the citizens of this Country did when I returned to the world so many years ago? Would they consider me as worthy as they felt.
I let the time pass and didn't say anything. When leaving the store they were getting on their bikes and I noticed the young man with his jacket. It too had patches much like the man he was riding with. I suspect that was his father and my heart was overjoyed at that sight and the love they must have for each other as well as love of Country.
Will I ever be able to let go of my emotions and show my pride in my service to this great Country and the pride I have in serving it?
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