Years ago, I happened to meet an elderly man who mentioned in passing that he was a military veteran. I asked where he had served. He shrugged modestly and said, “Oh, a place in the Pacific called Bataan.”
My eyes got wide (I’ve always liked history and know a fair amount about World War II) and I said, “You’re a Bataan Death March survivor?” He shrugged again modestly - real heroes, in my limited experience, are always modest - and said, “Well, yes.” My eyes got even wider and I said, “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Unfamiliar with the Bataan Death March? If so, it’s time to learn .
I thought of that chance meeting after receiving an email this week from a farm group. The organization stressed the importance of honoring farmers who also are military veterans.
Sounds good to me. If you know a farmer - or anyone else who served in the military - be sure to thank him or her on Friday.
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