A Few Brave Men
November 14, 2007 - 3:57pm — Corys_Stories
I was at a Veterans Day remembrance and celebration ceremony, the other day, and was filled with patriotic pride. It was held at the Veterans Home and nearly all of the vets in attendance were either on walkers, canes or wheelchairs. It was interesting to see how these old vets conducted themselves. The older soldiers were quite respectful and patient, while the younger soldiers were either eyeing up the refreshments, or swiping the cookies off of the tables. Some were wearing their VFW and American Legion hats, and others wore a bundle of pins, badges and medals. Only a few brave men attempted to wear their old worn out uniforms, which didn’t really fit them anymore. But nonetheless, it was still a sight to see.
The guest speakers were quite complimentary to all of the veterans in their talks over the microphone. Off in the corner of the room was a local high school band, which led the Star Spangled Banner. According to the program booklet, the band was to end with God Bless America. However, about ¾ of the way through the program, the band did an outstanding version of an Armed Forces Medley. This music was so touching and moving, I don’t even know if I can express it in words.
Picture it, in your mind’s eye. As the band played the theme song music to each particular branch, those certain soldiers were to be acknowledged. The Marines Hymn and Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder came on, and these guys struggled to stand up and wave. They helped each other up, and they dusted each other off. Oh, my heavens, several of them had tears in their eyes. Anchor’s Aweigh started playing, and a room full of old sailors pushed themselves and propped themselves up and smiled proudly and bowed to the audience members. I even saw a few of them wink at a couple of the giggling nurses.
But when the Army’s Song started up with, “ Over hills, over dales, we will hit the dusty trails,” it rattled and hummed throughout the room. These soldiers did their very best to stand at attention. Although, this one little man, standing alone in the corner, caught my eye. He stood up and held, as best as he could, a ‘salute’ stance for the duration of the song. What a sight to see. But what made me weep, and feel so overwhelmingly proud, was the whole time he stood there, his salute hand and arm were trembling and the other hand and arm were shaking the cane which held him up. An aide rushed by his side, and the old man kindly whispered something him. The aide stepped back, and the old soldier continued to salute until the song was over.
As the song ended, the aide went to his side again, and the old man plopped into his chair and let out a loud and exasperating, “Whew!” And, I swear I heard him say to the aide, “That was so nice, someone remembered.” He said more, but I couldn’t hear him. I asked the aid, later, if the little old man was okay, and the aide said, “ Do you know what that little man said to me?” I was ‘all ears’. He continued by saying, “I only wish my wife was here to see me wearing my uniform. She loved seeing me in my duds.”