Old Guys Rule (I'm Pretty Sure That's A T-shirt Slogan)

Image from armyuniverse.com

The Biscuitville near my house is a favorite hangout for local Veterans. Lots of adorable old guys, most of them wearing an appropriate cap with the war they were associated with, like to sit around at lunchtime, having coffee and reminiscing. It's actually fascinating to listen to if you happen to catch them on just the right day. Today I stopped in there for lunch on the way home from work and smiled at the group of them sitting by the window. As I turned to make my order, one of them said to his friend, "In the next life, I'm coming back as the same age as her and I'm going to marry that girl." I turned to look and he winked at me. Have I mentioned before just how charming I think little old guys are?

I sat on the other side of the restaurant with my lunch thinking about his cap. He was wearing a Vietnam Vet cap very similar to the one up top, and I couldn't help but wonder at the memories he had of a war that wasn't so popular and a time when the American people did not exactly embrace our Troops. Active duty military members don't get to pick and choose which battles they will fight. That is above their pay grade (and often dictated by idiots, i.e. Congress). What most of them DO actively decide is to protect and defend the place all of us call "home". The oath they take upon entry of service truly makes me proud to be an American and I still get very emotional when hearing Taps. So, to my little old guy from lunch, you want to come find me in the next life...bring it, cutie. And to all of those Veterans, no matter what age or country you're from, I salute you!