Burlap and Blues, The Blues Blog

There are days that I don't think that anyone remembers how much sacrifice for our freedom has cost our country, and then there are days that make me proud to be an American. Yesterday was a day I will not forget for some time.

Yesterday my family was standing in line at the stadium waiting for the gates to open. In Milwaukee, the stadium is very close to the Veterans hospital, and frequently volunteers walk through the crowd getting donations for Veterans associations, etc. One of the volunteers was a proud Vietnam vet dressed in full fatigues. He was proudly wearing his uniform, although he was obviously showing signs of his age. He was having some difficultly walking around and was using a walker and each step was carefully planed. He had all of his award ribbons proudly displayed on his uniform and it was clear that he was never as proud as he was yesterday to wear that uniform. I am glad I was wearing sunglasses, because what I saw and heard next will not be forgotten for some time.

Follow up:

A young lady came up to this veteran, gave him a big hug and a kiss. She thanked him for his service to his country. How often do we forget the sacrifices that were given for us so we can watch a game, and how often do we really take time out to thank those who gave more than we could ever give.

I know we just had Memorial Day, and we will have Veteran's Day in the fall. I hope I never forget each day the cost that was paid for me for my freedom. How thankful I am that I have the opportunity to agree and disagree openly with my government.

God Bless America, land that I love.