Those Veterans and Their Shenanigans

I ran out of the house, this morning, to do some errands. While driving, I heard sirens. I looked around and saw nothing but decided to proceed with caution anyway as the sound wasn't fading. As I approached one of the only big intersections in this little city, I got caught in a red light, and saw a bunch of police cars. A policeman got out of one of the cars. He put cones across the road.

It was then that I noticed a huge American flag being suspended above the street by two crains as well as a TON of people gathered downtown. By the time I realized what was going on, I was already quite blocked by other cars. There was no escape; I was going to watch the Veteran's Day parade.

At first I was really ticked. I had stuff to do, and I'd told sleepy boyfriend that I'd be right back.

It dawned on me, though, that if I'd been voluntarily or involuntarily shipped off to somewhere random with the overarching theme of "kill or be killed," and actually made it back, you'd better believe I'd be really into the idea of cruising down State Street in my T-Bird (Shout out to my grandfather who I didn't know would be there!) or doing doughnuts in my little shriner go-cart at the main intersection in Bristol. Yeah, watching a parade is kind of the very least I can do for veterans.

Suddenly I wasn't so ticked anymore, and I smiled to myself as I realized that the reason I sometimes get so frustrated with the elderly population is that I'm jealous that I haven't earned their little perks yet (...though I did just get the memo that comfortable shoes can change your life even though they won't have heels or bows, so maybe I'm on my way!).

So rock on, veterans. You have contributed more than most of us will ever know. Don't pay attention to us cranky whippersnappers.

{Source}

I originally left this entry picture-free, but Justin recommended this painting. I hadn't seen it before, but I think it's a very beautiful (though obviously heartbreaking) idea.