Veterans Day Washington DC 2013 AMVETS National Headquarters appreciates the Sons of AMVETS and their can do attitude. First Vice Commander Dan Briggs and John Keith drove in and were in DC on the mall at 0600 ready willing and able; we pitched the tent, set up our display and went to work. Steam was rising from the grass and the pond as the sun slowly rose to the right of the steel clad Washington Monument. Our nation’s mall was still empty and quiet when a dark haired young men, clutching the straps of his heavy back pack walked up to our table. As he glanced at our brochures and our team AMVETS bracelets he asked “What do you do here.” I noticed his halting but practiced English and responded “We represent American Veterans. I could tell the abstract term Veterans didn’t resonate with his early endeavors in English and explained “You know soldiers we fight for freedom and Liberty around the world. We help when we are needed. Today we are sending a contingent of Marines to help the people in the Philippines.” He kept his grip tight on the right hand strap of his backpack. Was he holding something? It was early in the morning, was he one of the many homeless in the area rising for the day or had he come to the mall on Veterans Day to make some other type of international statement? The backpack was packed tight and his heavy woolen coat didn’t give any clues about what was underneath. Wrapped loosely around his neck was a red and white checkered cloth. So, I’m guessing Palestinian. I asked the question. Where are you from? I have to admit as I waited for his response I’m thinking in the back of my mind this could be my last day on earth. He could release his right hand and all I would see is a flash and then peace. “In his slow drawn English he said Jordan. I’m still curious about this young man. “Your English is very good way better than my Jordanian.” The conversation lightened a bit and he said “I haven’t yet heard you speak Jordanian. “There is a reason for that” I explained, “ I don’t know any.” How long have you been in America, Are you a student? I still haven’t been able to put him in a comfortable slot. Should I just ask him what’s in the backpack. Do I really want to know? If it’s not a blanket and a change of cloth will he just release his grip and demonstrate the contents. Maybe I’ve been watching to many NCIS reruns. He explained a stay in Egypt and I thought maybe he does understand the terms freedom and liberty. The internet and Arab spring-re kindled these desires in the oppressed middle and as the stranger explained the “near east” I asked what he did for a living and responded with “I cut trees.” I asked for a card. “I don’t have one I will meeting a friend today to talk about business.” The sun was rising and an early rising cammy clad, grizzled vet sporting an embroidered Vietnam Nam boonie cap festooned with jump wings, a wreathed infantry rifle and a screaming eagle pin, walked up to the table. I didn’t have to think too hard for this warrior’s slot. He stepped up to the plate in the 60s when America put out the call. He was 20 something then, today he was over 60. I was curious about his story. Where did he walk lady liberty, is she still walking in America? We talked; he pushed a pin in our map of Nam. We enjoyed the bond that comes with service. A handshake and “welcome home brother” then this proud soldier moved on to enjoy his day, Veterans Day on our Nations Mall. The day couldn’t have been warmer.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 16:57:20 +0000
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