Veteran's Salute
JumboTron Walk
Big Ben, Big Arm.
Hand off
Pennsylvania is the place so many veterans have called, “Home,” in every war since before America was America. With so many of her children in Harm’s Way, it is no wonder that the day is celebrated here with such vigor, passion, and active participation. The events started on Saturday with the annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Pittsburgh, which culminated at the Vietnam War Memorial on the North Shore.
Today, I was a guest of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I brought along two veterans, one Pearl Harbor Survivor, and one Korean War veteran, to be a part of a group of veterans from World War Two to the Iraq War that the Steelers put together to be honored on the field for their service to their country. The group image in regard to this column goes from right to left: a Pearl Harbor Survivor, a World War Two veteran, a Korean War veteran, a Vietnam veteran, a Gulf War veteran, and an Iraq veteran. The men were guests of the Steelers and the pride of Pittsburgh on this day. After the ceremony they enjoyed the game, and found the fans very cordial, respectful, and appreciative that they served on their behalf, which truly humbled them as representatives of those who could not make the walk upon the green grass of the field.
To watch these men who know that time is but a blink of the eye, as they where showered with honor by those who they did not know, was absolutely moving. I could feel the burden of those feelings of being forgotten leaving their tortured souls, right then, right there. Knowing that they would no longer walk alone seemed to give them hope that all the sacrifice had meaning.
“This was unforgettable,” said retired Army 1st. Sgt. Julius Hill, the Korean War veteran honored today. “As we walked from the field through the stadium going to the suite, people everywhere we went came up to me, looked me square in the eye, took my hand to shake it, and sincerely thanked me for my service. This is what made this day so special to me.” Sgt. Hill’s grin told the tale before the words were spoken.
I would like to thank the Pittsburgh Steelers for their kindness, generosity, and their empathy of the veteran’s plight; not seeing what was gained for the cost so paid by these veterans. They provided a heated box suite for these veterans getting up there in life experience, and also provided warm food, and hot drinks. They did not have to do this, but they did it from the heart, and all the veterans expressed deep appreciation for their acts of kindness. Many people may not be aware of this, but one of the Rooney boys did serve in Iraq as a United States Marine; I meet him last year on Pearl Harbor day at the stadium, along with two Pearl Harbor survivors who were honored that day. He is not only a Marine, a member of the Rooney family, but also a Gentleman. A rare young Gentleman in these times, that knows, “That it takes a Gentleman to Approach another Gentleman.”
While most folks realize that the blood of veterans has always paid for the precious right of freedom; what most Willie-off-the-pickle-boat self-anointed arbiters of veteran affairs do not know is that you cannot buy or manufacture heroes, they rise out of the ashes of the Phoenix of necessity.
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Sports Update:
The Pittsburgh Steelers who were behind for most of the game, made an amazing comeback to defeat their divisional rival, the Cleveland Browns, 31 to 28.
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Local News:In memory of Army Staff Sergeant Shawn Graham who was killed in Iraq two years ago, Grove City Pennsylvania dedicated a bridge in his honor.
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Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
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