Memorial Day Thoughts……
It was 10 years ago. The highways have not changed much in that time but we have both aged, the asphalt and I. Memorial Day Weekend of 2010 found me in Missoula, MT, and on that day the clouds were gray and the rain fell, often in torrents that reminded me how miserable wet feet can become and just how long 30 miles can be.
I had just placed a flag and as I came down a long, gradual descent on the highway I noticed a black Audi with dark windows, pull over and stop. Slowing to a walk I prepared myself for the unexpected. Those moments of stillness when our minds go blank, waiting, waiting, just waiting, and then he stepped out of his car. He was no small man by any means. He was huge, really huge. In his left hand was the tiny hand of a small girl who he introduced as his daughter. His other hand was extended to me and we shook. My eyes drifted to a bumper sticker on his car that said “Marine Vet” and I felt safe.
In a thick Polish accent he spoke. “I came to this country as a political refugee and you opened your arms to me. I owe your country so much. I wanted to pay it back in some way so I joined the Marines and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I lost many friends”. There is a long pause and then he says “It was an honor for me to serve” and his eyes are wet. Sharply he snaps to attention and salutes, his daughter looks up at her father and I know she knows how he feels at this moment and he is her hero.
We never know who is watching or who is listening or who is thinking about us and the indelible mark that we all leave with our footsteps, our path through life. The tragedy for many is never recognizing the opportunity to do more while expecting nothing in return. Every Memorial Day since then takes me back to a chance encounter on a chance highway on a chance day and reminds me that our debt to those gone can never be repaid only remembered…….
