(no subject)
A few years back, we went to Hawaii for my sister-in-law's wedding. While there, being the history buff I am, I decided I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor. Matt, having been there before, went through the museum with me and watched the movie they were playing (these had been updated since his last visit) but he decided he would wait while I took the ferry out to the memorial.
Part of me is glad he did. If he had been on the ferry with me, I wouldn't have been sitting next to the lovely gentleman I was sitting next to. This young man was 83 years old, and on his last visit to the memorial. His health was failing him, but he wanted one more visit to his fallen comrades. The man, whose name I actually never got, shared with me on that short trip the story of being stationed at Pearl Harbor - he had enlisted not long before - on Dec. 7, 1941.
It's odd because I don't really remember most of the words he shared. But I clearly remember all of the emotions that spread across his face in that SHORT ferry ride from the museum pier to the Arizona. The anger, the pride, the sorrow, and even nostalgia. The emotions were far more impactful than any of the words he chose.
It was amazing. And I am forever touched at being able to share that unique moment - a veteran's last visit to the site of such an pivotal day in his life - with him ... and that he was willing to share that unique moment with a complete stranger.
Part of me is glad he did. If he had been on the ferry with me, I wouldn't have been sitting next to the lovely gentleman I was sitting next to. This young man was 83 years old, and on his last visit to the memorial. His health was failing him, but he wanted one more visit to his fallen comrades. The man, whose name I actually never got, shared with me on that short trip the story of being stationed at Pearl Harbor - he had enlisted not long before - on Dec. 7, 1941.
It's odd because I don't really remember most of the words he shared. But I clearly remember all of the emotions that spread across his face in that SHORT ferry ride from the museum pier to the Arizona. The anger, the pride, the sorrow, and even nostalgia. The emotions were far more impactful than any of the words he chose.
It was amazing. And I am forever touched at being able to share that unique moment - a veteran's last visit to the site of such an pivotal day in his life - with him ... and that he was willing to share that unique moment with a complete stranger.