I took the advice I wrote about last week and went to see the play Beyond Glory about seven Medal of Honor winners at the Roundabout Theatre in New York. I will write about the play soon.
But the irony of my trip was the van ride from the parking lot to the airport to catch my flight to NY. The van driver who greeted me at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning was about the most energetic, smiley, happy guy I have ever met at that hour, in that job -- frankly any job. I've never had coworkers that happy on the job. You rarely meet people that excited to hear about your trip, to wish you well, to want to know you -- even people who know you well.
He asked all about my day so far, inquired if I was in a hurry, noted the beautiful sunrise just tipping over the horizon, told me all about the big pig roast he and his neighbor were having later in the day for nearly 150 people. He asked about details of my trip to NY and he heard I was going to see a play, Beyond Glory about men of courage, honor, valor.
I then learned he was a retired pilot, who had flown hundreds of dangerous missions in the Korean War, whose experiences should have given him the Medal of Honor. He summed it up, "I am just lucky to be alive." I hadn't gotten his name so I asked on my way home - who was the man who worked there, a pilot, Korean War veteran.
"Jack. That's Jack."
The truth is, our heroes are next door. Literally. They are men of honor.
We don't have to see a play to know them.
They are our friends. Our neighbors. The people whose paths we cross every day.
Jack said about the play, "Well that will be an emotional day."
It was.
I will write more soon.
With smiles of gratitude to our heroes, all of you.
Comments