He proudly wore a now-tattered ball cap a young man returning home from the war had given him. He remembers the day well: sitting at the bar of the VFW, attending a Memorial Day gathering with others like himself who were lucky enough to march home, and remembering those who didn't. A young soldier pulled up a stool and glanced his way with a painted-on smile and hollow eyes. The soldier removed his ball cap and set it on the bar, staring at it deep in thought. This was my brother's hat. He said he wore it every day over there. The old veteran looked at the hat with its frayed edges and stains of war, wanting to say something, but words wouldn't come. I want you to have it he said, handing the hat to him and getting up to leave. Why me, he asked. The soldier stopped and turned to the old Vet. I've honored my brother every day just as we honor all who gave their life for our country on this day. I'm sure you lost brothers as well and think about them every day. Please honor them by wearing his hat, and when you see another vet who lost someone, no matter when or where, pass it along as a reminder that we will never forget them. The old Vet wore that hat proudly for several years, telling the story of how he got it and the day he gave it to another young soldier with a painted-on smile and hollow eyes.
Remembering all who paid the ultimate price of freedom on this Memorial Day and every day a soldier doesn't march home.
Mike 2025
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