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Respect for the Veterans
November 11, 2007
My father is 83 years old. He called me two weeks ago after dinner, a rarity for a man who treasures his reading time and sleep. That morning, however, he had an experience that stayed with him all day and he wanted to share it.
He was having breakfast with a gentleman roughly his age when the subject came to WWII. Dad was telling his friend a story about the war. Sitting nearby was a man with his young son. My father estimated that he was in his early 30s. The man stood and approached the table, apologized for interrupting and said, “I heard you talking about WWII, sir. Are you a veteran?”
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, John Harold Desmond Farquharson came to the US on a banana boat in 1932 after his father died of a wound received in World War I. Ineligible for the draft, he volunteered for the air force and was trained to navigate bombers. By the time he got the Italy, the war was winding down. Returning to college, he met my Mom and a 60 year marriage ensued.
Yes, Dad was a veteran.
The man continued, “Sir, I would like the honor of buying your breakfast.” My Dad was floored. He told me that he was most impressed that someone of his age would understand the importance of the sacrifice that so many made. Dad thanked the man for the gesture, stood and they embraced. I’ll bet this morning, Veteran’s Day 2007, my Dad will remember that encounter while he is at Christ Church, in Needham, Massachusetts.
May we all remember the Veterans. And be thankful.
Posted by Bill Farquharson on November 11, 2007 | Comments (5)
