Saluting a 92-year-old hero

A chance encounter at the entry to Kroger supermarket on the eve of Independence Day served to remind me of what this most American of holidays should be about.

An elderly gentleman and I reached the doorway at the same time. He bade me enter before him and referred to me as “young man.” I laughed, thanked him and walked on in, feeling the weight of my 72 years resting lightly upon my shoulders.

I happened upon him again in one of the aisles, and he told me that he referred to me as “young man” because he was 92 years of age. He shared with me that he served in the Pacific during World War II and, indeed, had sailed into Tokyo Bay at the end of the war. With evident pride he allowed that “I am the reason you’re not speaking Japanese today.”

I asked my wife to come over and shake his hand, and he said to me, “She’s a good one, boy. You’d better hang on to her.” I shook his hand again and, as we parted, it occurred to me that, in the midst of our grilling and fireworks, we would all do well to take a moment to remember and to thank those on whose shoulders we stand for the freedom that we too often take for granted.

And so, on behalf of my family, I take this opportunity to offer a simple “thank you” to all the men and women of “the greatest generation.” We owe them more than we can ever repay.

This story was originally published July 20, 2017 at 9:20 AM with the headline "Saluting a 92-year-old hero."