So I go to work early, before most.
I go to the armoury to check out my rifles, praying they are clean and operational.
I go to Trans and check out vans, praying they have cruise control.
I drive 5 hours to a small town in TX, listening to the radio and laughing with friends.
I get to my destination, and we all fight about where to eat lunch. Finally we eat, and leave.
I drive to a church, wondering where I will change clothes, praying its not a restroom.
I put on a uniform, celebrated by some, hated by others, but praying I havent forgotten anything back home.
I carry a soul, fold a flag, shoot my rifle, play a song, salute and leave.
I now look back at what I have just accomplished, what is it that i just did and I feel ashamed. How could I be so selfish. I just paid respect to a fallen HERO, a veteran. Yet all I remember is how long the drive was, where I ate, where I changed clothes, how hot it was, and how long it lasted. I could not tell you his name, or what his rank was. I feel like I have played that part of a fool- produced, directed, and staring me.
How could I fall into such a self-centered spiral. Looking inward instead of out. I promise here, I swear now, Never will I lay another brother, another veteran, down to rest and not know his name and rank. Never again will I worry about me while serving his family the respect and honor he served his country for his entire life. I may not of known him, but I owe him everything.
I found a problem and I am fixing it.