Never forgotten

Some of the most enjoyable days in life are the ones that are unexpected.

I had a delightful moment earlier this afternoon when I talked to a Korean War veteran and his son in the local grocery store. 

Front page of a Pittsburgh newspaper on the day of the Korean armistice.

Our chance meeting has had me smiling ever since.

As I always do when I see someone wearing a Korean veteran hat, I stopped and thanked him for his service. You see, I was born on July 27, 1953 -- the date of the armistice that was meant to stop the fighting. My birthdate is one reason I never forget the Korean vets.

This gentleman was beyond delightful. He smiled when I told him my birthday tidbit, and he took my hand. He said in a gruff and laborious voice, "Why, I'm 93 years old now!" 

I wish I knew more about him, but our meeting was too brief in the packed grocery store aisle. Before we departed, I told him that my father-in-law was a Korean War veteran. That caused my new friend to give me one final smile.

And as I occasionally do with a bit of overzealousness, I said thank you again! The old gentleman and his son waved and gave me hearty thanks in return.

Made my day.