Being a Vietnam veteran, I always try to attend a ceremony on this special day. This year, I decided to march in the Greenfield parade. So off I went to assemble with Scott Vetterling Chapter 33 Disabled American Veterans. Stopping at “Cumbees” for coffee, when I got to the register the attendant told me “You are paid for already.” WOW! …
OK, it was showtime and the start of the parade. Everybody was lined up, and the Greenfield High School band was, well the highlight as far as I am concerned. The pieces they played were so appropriated during the march and at the Veterans Memorial. I was so impressed during the march at the people who shouted out “Thank You” and clapped as we went by. I think “Bobby C” was the loudest! Master Sgt. Peter Guiod delivered such a meaningful address and of course Tim did a super job organizing everything. As I walked back from the monuments, a little girl (under the watchful eyes of her grandmother) came up to me and said, “thank you” and handed me a card she had made, an owl on the cover. It said “Thank You! For protecting our country!” On the inside it said, “You are the best!” Now I thought I was a pretty tough guy, but let me tell you I had some second thoughts at that moment.
Making my way to Main Street, several people shook my hand and patted me on the back, thanking me for something I did 45 years ago and more often than not have forgotten about altogether. I suppose you forget the bad and remember the good. As I crossed the street I met another little girl with mother right alongside. She looked up at me with those huge brown eyes and hair blowing in the wind, hand outreached to shake mine and said, “Thank you for your service!” that really took the edge, I guess moved is a better word, off this, “old seasoned veteran.”
So I want to say something to the person who bought my coffee last Friday, to all of you along the parade route, cheering and waving our flag, to you who took the time to attend, and to those two little girls I met. On this Veterans Day, You are the real heroes! Thank You.
Chester Kuzontkoski
Gill