By Michael Baughman

 

 

Last week, we celebrated Veterans Day all across our country in towns large and small. Here in our little corner of the world, we had our own celebration, complete with a parade and ceremony. Veterans of every war since WWII were present to honor and be honored. I had a view from the inside and I’ll never forget it.

I had the privilege of driving a car (a really nice one that I didn’t have to make the payments on) carrying one of our own who served our country with honor and valor. He was a decorated Marine infantry officer and Army Chaplain. He and his family moved to Tryon years ago to pastor a local church. This man and his family made great sacrifices for our country and now he and his wife are quietly living, working and serving behind the scenes in our community. If it wasn’t for Veterans Day, most of us would have no idea what these men and women did for our country.

Since I was actually “in” the parade, even though I’m not a veteran, I tried not to make eye contact with anyone as I didn’t want them to, thank me for my service. All I was doing was driving a really nice car and trying to keep my four-year old son (also not a veteran) from falling out of the car. I didn’t fly an airplane over Nazi-occupied France, and I sure didn’t lead a night watch during Vietnam. This view from the inside of the parade allowed me to see the countless expressions of gratitude along the parade route. I saw children holding homemade signs and waiving miniature flags. I witnessed the elderly and the disabled waiving their hands and mouthing the words “Thank you.” There was a lone man standing in the back of his truck saluting. And there were the hundreds of people young and old shouting, “Thank you for your service.” It was a powerful experience I hope I never forget. This past week I got a little taste of what it’s like to be a veteran on Veterans Day and it was a humbling experience.
Have you ever met a veteran that you didn’t like? I haven’t. In my experience veterans are humble, committed, loyal, patriotic and grateful individuals who do not take their freedom or their blessings for granted. They’ve seen things most of us can’t even imagine. Serving in our military teaches discipline, love of country, service to your community and standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Sounds like my kind of neighbor.
This area has a long tradition of honoring our veterans and thanking them for their service. Veterans are an integral part of the fabric of our community and it’s yet another thing that makes this area so special.
Did you know that Polk County actually has a higher percentage of veterans per capita than most counties in the US. Ten percent of our county’s population served in the military. That’s 20 percent higher than the national average and 30 percent higher than the North Carolina average. No wonder this place is so awesome! It’s filled with humble, grateful servants who do their part.
To all of those who served our country whether directly or indirectly, I join the echoes that say, “Thank you for your service.” Thanks to you and your sacrifices, my life is pretty much perfect. Here’s hoping I don’t wait another year to be reminded of what you did.