ARLINGTON: It matters

Several years ago around July 4 I was visiting Coeur d’Alene. Sitting at Independence Point enjoying the view a man comes up on an electric three wheel scooter called a roundabout not the ones we see today. He wore a light jacket with a Vietnam War reference on it. Judging by his age he appeared to be old enough to have served during if not in Vietnam. After lighting a cigarette he commented on the view. We talked a while just general stuff but pleasant conversation. After awhile he reached to a pocket inside his jacket and pulled out a medallion like object. As he raised it in front of me he asked if I recognized it. I was awe struck, not sure what to do or say. It was a Congressional Medal of Honor. Having never actually met a medal recipient previously I truthfully felt honored to be in his presence. It simply seemed to be the proper feeling. We talked a bit longer and then he left. I just sat there.

When I returned to where I was staying I went online. There was his name, photograph and the citation explaining why he received such a great honor. Reading through it was like thinking back to an Audie Murphy movie for those of us who remember. Later that day I told my wife of whom I had met. I couldn’t tell her without great emotion.

I was a soldier once, just a soldier and served with people like him. The print and social media are filled lately with what happened at our national cemetery. I have to conclude Arlington matters.

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene