Letters to the Editor
Editor:

He was sitting there alone, hunched over his fast food meal. His middle-aged face was solemn - very solemn. Families with noisy children occupied the other tables, and they seemed oblivious to this man as they devoured their lunches.

I passed by him in the local (Waynesboro) McDonald's. His camouflage uniform and boots caught my attention, and I remembered hearing that the local unit of the National Guard was being deployed overseas again, and that they would leave within the next few days.

His uniform reminded me of my young son, and my mind drifted back to over a year ago. Our extended family was enjoying a meal in a local restaurant where we had gathered to celebrate my father's birthday. My younger son was wearing a T-shirt that proclaimed boldly across the back: "It All Starts with Attitude. The American Soldier. Defender of Freedom. Army National Guard."

As we finished our meal, a man walked over to us, extended his right hand to my son, and said, "Thank you." My heart nearly burst with pride as my son stood up and shook his hand. I could almost visibly see my son stand a little taller, a little straighter. I had to swallow the lump in my throat and I dared my eyes not to water, to no avail. Words cannot express how much I appreciated this simple gesture from a man who had never before met my son. I will never forget that moment.

Now my thoughts returned to the present, and the soldier I had seen earlier. I hoped the soldier would still be sitting there. There was something that I wanted to say to him. But someone else occupied that table now. I looked around the dining room, hoping I had not let my opportunity pass by. There he was, over by the counter. As I walked toward him, his solemn face never changed expressions. I stepped up to him and softly said, "Thank you for your service." His face, so deeply lined, softened just a little, and a smile touched his lips. "Thank you, Ma'am," he replied, and I quickly walked away. I felt that lump in my throat again.

Ten seconds of my time and five little words had lit up a soldier's face. Now I plan to make it a habit. Every time I see someone wearing a military uniform, I will tell them "thank you." Because of the brave members of our military, we continue to enjoy freedom. And I hope I never take that for granted.
Melodye Williams
Millen