I try to attend Knoxville’s Veteran’s Day parade every year. A couple of years ago, it was a beautiful, unseasonably warm November day for the parade. I took up my usual spot near the intersection of Gay Street and Summit Hill. As the parade went on, I noticed a lady standing close by on the sidewalk. She had on a vest with several patches and pins for various veteran’s organizations. She also had a large pin with a photograph of a soldier who I assumed was her son. Then I noticed a smaller pin in the shape of a gold star. I realized at that point I was probably standing next to a Gold Star Mother, a mother who lost a child in combat. I wasn’t sure, but I glanced at her a couple of times as groups of veteran’s passed by and marching bands played. Her face told the story. I could see the pride on her face and the sadness in her eyes. I felt like I was in the presence of someone very powerful. I felt like I needed to acknowledge her in someway, but what do you say to a person who has made that kind of sacrifice? I thought hard about what I should do as the parade carried on. As it ended, I turned to her, shook her hand, and simply said, “Thank You”. That’s all I could come up with. As utterly insufficient as those two words are to express what was going on in my gut, they seemed to be proper, as she simply nodded and smiled as tears filled her eyes. I got a little something in my eyes as I walked back to the office. It was dusty, you know.
I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and that it is filled with family, friends, and fun. But take a minute to consider the cost of the freedom you have to do those things. Think about the courage it takes to be willing to give your life for your country. Remember the estimated 1.1 million Americans who have done just that, and remember their families. Visit one of the 135 national cemeteries or any of the dozens of state veteran’s cemeteries. Walk along the rows of stones and read the inscriptions. I have been in several and always learn something from my visit. They are emotionally powerful places that provide a great deal of perspective.
My brief encounter with a Gold Star mom on a sidewalk in Knoxville will stay with me for a very long time. I consider myself very fortunate to have met her, even for a moment. She, and all Gold Star families, will be on my mind tomorrow.