Friday, a few friends and I were having breakfast in the back room at the Eat & Park near the Clearview Mall. Since all of us are military veterans, some comments led to a few “war stories.”

Another customer a few tables away must have been listening because, as he was leaving, he came over to our table and told us he enjoyed hearing what was being said and wished he could have come over and joined us just to be able to listen. He said he was not a vet but thanked us for serving.

A few minutes later he returned to our table with two youngsters who thanked us for our service and the country we have saved for them. A few minutes later the waitress came by and picked up all our checks and told us the gentleman had insisted on paying our bills.

In the many years since returning from Vietnam, that is the first time I had experienced someone going out of their way to remember a bunch of old vets in a small private manner that was not a public occasion.

If the gentleman reads this, thanks from all of us.