Pride!

This morning... I went outside to watch the early dawn!  From black sky with stars, to early sunrise... when the stars disappear and the sky begins to turn a blackish blue, into a reddish blue, to whitish blue...  those that have seen it will understand!

While I sat on the porch, I looked across the street and noticed that my neighbor was displaying an American Flag.  Not only was it billowing in the early morning breeze... it was also well lit!  I had seen this Flag several times, but normally during the day.  This morning I realized that my neighbor was following etiquette!  And that made me proud!

For it was displayed overnight... and it was well lit!  The field of blue was somewhat obscured... but the red & white stripes were well displayed!  I walked to the sidewalk and saluted it!

I must be one of those middle generations...  not a Baby Boomer... Gen X or maybe Gen Y...  I do dislike labels!!!

For I knew my maternal grandparents, and they experienced the Great Depression and the World Wars...  I heard the stories, I heard the tales.  I was even honored by my own Grandfather, who told me his own experiences during WWII... something he withheld from his own children, even my mother...  I was the only grandchild to hear it, his story, his history.  And he entrusted me to tell his story, to those that needed to hear it, when it was necessary, when it needed to be told...

A great Honor, but also a great responsibility.

So a lesson learned.

My dad, who is a Baby Boomer started it, but I adopted it and still continue it to this day...

When I identify an individual as a Veteran... I thank them... I literally hold out and offer my hand... and when they take it, I say, "Thank you for your service."

I have been thanked for my service too...

And when that USMC Sergeant came to attention, saluted me, and thanked me for my service... my heart dropped!  Because I didn't deserve it!

I didn't deserve such an honor from someone that risked there life to ensure my freedom... or even someone that represented those that do...

God Bless America!


Peace!