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The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
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September
4, 2014
Giving thanks
to our Veterans
Neil Allen
Editor:
I’m just one of many Shelby County area volunteers who’ve helped plan
and participate in many of the previous nine and now next September
19-21 trip of Shelby County area Veterans to Washington, DC to visit
their memorials they’ve not yet seen. And we send all
Veteran’s at no expenses to them! Let there be no doubt that each
of us along for the trips have brought home many rewarding memories
being alongside those most wonderful Veterans. If asked which of
all those memories were the most poignant, most of us would agree on
one; watching fellow citizens also visiting the memorials when we were
there coming up to our Veterans to shake their hands and express thanks
for their service. In most cases, our Veterans have been
taken off guard not expecting such kind acts of appreciation. You
see, many of our Veterans have borne the experience of their service
privately and not expecting much else. However, when thanked by
appreciative strangers of all ages, those previously private Veterans
have graciously accepted those kind gestures extended to them with
pride as huge smiles come across their faces. Such feelings and
smiles are mutual for those giving thanks. And certainly
for us volunteers too which is why these are such fond memories.
And those memories are further deepened when on many of these
occasions, we see those tough but now gentle warriors come to
tears. And don’t be surprised that others watching on do too!
It’s not only at the memorials in DC that such gratitude can be
extended to our Veterans. It can be done right here in our home
town or wherever it is you travel. If you see someone wearing a
hat or shirt emblazoned with US military insignias, you can bet he or
she is a Veteran. Please don’t be shy or embarrassed to approach
that Veteran to offer a handshake or a simple thank you for their
service regardless of where or when they served. Your words will
make a tremendous difference to them. And to you too!
Thank you!
Neil Allen
Sidney, OH
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