Oct 27, 2012 2 min read

Several weeks ago, I began a Monday in the usual manner, rushing to begin yet another work week. Although I am often so absorbed in my own agenda that I am painfully unaware of my surroundings, this day would be different. I was at a local gas station and noticed a young man, wearing digital desert camouflage and sporting mirrored sunglasses, sitting in a car bearing military plates. He was absorbed in reading a magazine of some sort, waiting for a friend to return from inside the store. I don’t know why, but when he raised his head towards me, I said ‘Whatever you do, thank you’. A few seconds passed before he responded in a low voice, saying thank you and I appreciate that. I am unable to quote him exactly; I was fighting back the welling tears caused by his heartfelt response. As I grabbed my receipt, I heard a gentleman, standing next to a pick-up truck behind us, say in a loud voice to the two men ‘Godspeed!’ I jumped in my car and headed off to work, all of the negative feelings caused by the morning news melting away as I drove away. The simple words exchanged that day will forever remind me of how fortunate and proud I am to live in a country whose citizens not only appreciate the sacrifices of our military men and women, but can freely express their gratitude as well. C. Mohney North Franklin Township