Filling your car with gas is normally one of the most boring activities. But not last night. I was in uniform as I heading out to the armoury. I had to fill up before leaving Cambridge and as I was pumping, I became vaguely aware of someone walking toward me. When I turned around, there was a young man, perhaps seventeen years old, with hand stretched toward me. He shook my hand, said, “Thank you” and walked back to his car.
It was a very moving moment for me. My first thought was about how nice it is to see this kind of respect for the military in his generation. The next thought was about what it means to wear this uniform. He was not thanking me for my particular service, but rather all of the Canadian Forces through my uniform. I was symbol for the work and sacrifice of many men and women. Not all civilians appreciate this but thankfully many do.
How do you react when you see a man or woman in uniform? If you appreciate what they do, don’t just keep your thanks to yourself. Shake a hand. It may be that you are giving an Afghan vet the encouragement that is needed.
