By Lois Jasmer, Director of Business Development at Concierge Care Advisors
As I watched the evening News on Q13 the other day, I teared up at the story they were sharing. In this tumultuous time it was a heartwarming reminder of what true sacrifice is.
I was blessed to be a part of a very special ceremony this week with over 60 veterans. When asked if I would come and help support and promote a Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony, I of course said yes. I just thought ok, a simple little ceremony in Federal Way at the Senior Center (and I love seniors), so some time spent with them is always fun. What I didn’t know is what a moving, special honor it would be for me.
The ceremony was an official Pinning Ceremony sponsored by Humana, intended to honor those that had fought in the Vietnam War, and had basically been forgotten and not thanked by the country for their sacrifices when they returned back from war. This was a way to truly thank and honor these men and women for serving their country.
As I looked into the eyes of the men I pinned I said the words “Thank You.” As the Keynote speaker so eloquently stated, these are words we say every day, but perhaps don’t really put the thought and heart into them; I did. As I said the words, I teared up because I was stirred deep inside feeling my words were inadequate. I must have teared up at least six times during the ceremony as the depth of emotion that filled that room took me over. What these men and women had witnessed, the limbs they had lost, the friends they had lost, the family and futures they had lost, deserved more than a “thank you”.
If you are able, watch the clip that Q13 broadcast. Picture if you will a packed room of Veterans listening to the song by Lee Greenwood “I’m Proud to Be an American”. When the line came “and I’d Proudly Stand Up and Defend Her Still Today” every last one of them stood, and I get chills as I write, just remembering that moment.
