I was in the Navy for four years in the 50's, discharged in 1956, and really never gave much thought to my having served. It was nearing the end of the Korean "Conflict," so there was no parade when I got out. I really never gave much thought to the fact that I had "served." I primarily joined the Navy to avoid getting drafted, and I really don't know why I did that. My brother had been in the Navy so it seemed like a good thing to do, at the time.
Later on in my life, my son, Brad joined the Navy during "Desert Storm" and, one memory that has never been forgotten, and never will, was the morning they "took him away" in that Navy vehicle. In that instant, I realized what it was like, giving up a son to the service.
Anyway, he had given me a cap with a gold BMU2 Stingers on it, and his name, DOOLEY embroidered on the back of the cap.
Craig Young and I were going to an Ohio State football game, against Navy, and do to a variety of situations, it was a very patriotic game.
I wore his cap. Shortly after we parked, a man walked over to me, shook my hand, and said "Thanks for your service." First time that had ever happened, and I think it was perhaps the first time I realized that, in fact, I had SERVED my country.
I had a number of people come up to me that day and say "Thanks." I even had a Navy Captain, sort of wave and give me a salute and say Thank You.
So, I know what a "Thank You" means to someone who has served. If you see a veteran, or someone in the service, today, tell them "Thanks," it does mean a lot to them.
