Posted on 03/22/2005 8:56:32 PM PST by timydnuc
I was on my way home from a long day of work that started in the early morning. I was tired and ready to put my feet up and relax. I wanted a bourbon libation to sooth my raviged soul, so I stopped by my local liquor store. A fine establishment to be sure. As I was getting my bourbon I noticed a GI in his utilities/fatigues shopping for wine. I waited till he approached the counter then I approached right behind. As he put his bottles of wine down to pay for them I put my bottle of bourbon down next to his wine. Then I said to the clerk, "I want to take care of this gentleman's bill". The big man in the fatigues told me that I didn't have to do that. I told him that, yes, I did. He offered his big hand and I shook it. He said, "Thank you". I said, "Thank YOU"! I then said, "101st Airbourne..Vietnam". I also said, " I'm more proud of you guys than I can tell you, you are winning this war". He said, "Thank you sir for the wine, and for your service". I said, "Thank you for my freedom".
The clerk taking care of this transaction was standing there all the time.
The soldier and I exchanged a salute, an old time Army salute. Then he walked through the door. The guy behind the counter said, "I got goosebumps". I said, "as well you should". I said to that man, "that man stands between you and slavery, he has taken an oath to protect and defend this nation, and you. He will give his life for you, and our little town, our nation, our freedom. You should get more than goosebumps you should get down on your knees and thank God ,that these men live and fight for you".
I took my bourbon and went home, I poured a three fingered shot over ice and sat down to think about what had happened. And I was proud!
Duty, honor, country. Hard things to concieve, harder things to defend. But men, good men, do it every day, and they die for it and they believe in it.
Excellent! Salute!
and thanks for my freedom.
I salute you, sir. That was a noble act of generosity to one of America's finest. Hope I one day have the opportunity to do the same.
Now I've got goosebumps. Thanks for reminding us what we really owe to these servicemen and servicewomen.Well said.
And thank you for your service.I never believed what John Kerry said about you guys anyway.
Good job! You get kudos - and another shot. I'm suprised the clerk reacted the way he did. Most liquor store clerks in my area are named Muhaamad.
Bravo!
I work at a grocery store. Every time I see fatigues or a cap professing service, I go out of my way and shake there hands.
A "thank you" to all troops. You too, timydnuc!
Great story and a nice thing you did. And thank YOU for your service.
Man what a great story...from a great American. From one who could not serve, Thank you sir for your service, courage and honor in serving our country!
I've done that a few times as well, and It's a good feeling isn't it?
A lady bought my brother's breakfast one morning. (My brother is a major in the National Guard.) She told the waitress to tell him she was treating him in appreciation for his service to the country. He said it made him feel good all that day and for a many days after.
I am sure you made this serviceman feel appreciated and he will remember it for a long time.
Man, that is beautiful! Thanks!
You are a good man. Thank you.
Every time I see these guys on the tube I'm so proud I could bust. They make the macho-man interviewer standing next to them look like the cardboard cutout he is.
I actually have tears in my eyes. Thanks so much for sharing that and for what you did for that man and your country!
I hope I get the opportunity to do something like that someday.
Totally awesome!
You should be proud, your words reflect what every patriotic American should feel^^
Do you think it would be alright for me to share your story in an e-mail to some of my friends and family? I think they would enjoy it.
Taxman Bravo Zulu!
About two weeks ago I was sitting in a local watering hole after a difficult day at the office. I walked in and sat down for a drink when I noticed a soldier down the bar sitting with a lady friend. Naturally, I did not interrupt him. Instead I instucted the bar maid to put his pitcher of Sangria he had already ordered on my tab. I overheard him say to her "Are you serious?" I just looked over at him and said "Thank you". A couple of minutes later he bought me a drink back.
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