VETERAN: Inspired by gratitude

It was a set-up, I’m sure. I have pictures to show the occurrence.

On the Fourth of July, I was on the parade route along Northwest Boulevard with the son of my deceased brother, also a Vietnam veteran. A young lady was traveling along the parade route, and offered to take a picture of my nephew and me with my camera. After one picture, she was “interrupted” as the local football team individually walked by, each shaking my hand and saying comments to include “Thanks” and “Welcome Home” and “Thanks for Your Service.”

As it turned out, I think the young lady was the wife of the coach of the football team. She captured the whole event of the handsome and fit young men shaking the hand of an old dinosaur with tears in his eyes on my phone/camera.

The memories of my tour of duty, shortened by a Tet Offensive wound in 1968, have faded, but I shall fondly remember this thoughtful and sincerely appreciated gesture from these young men, and the coach, and his wife for the remainder of my life. How many ways can I say thank you for giving me a “Welcome Home” I didn’t receive in 1968? Blessings to them all.

L.K. (OLY) OLSON

Post Falls