While the rest of the world turns, the VA Hospitals across our nation will continue to treat and care for the patients that have served with honor and great sacrifice.. Many who have served are not in those hospitals and they should be recognized with the same respect.. This nation owes these men and women, a debt that can never be repaid.. Many of us forget and one day each year to pay those respects and honor these men and women is inadequate, even though it is greatly appreciated.. A couple of those old warriors came by today.. They were on their way to the VA Hospital in Dallas.. These guys are veterans of the Viet Nam conflict and have been active in Veterans advocacy groups around Texas.. Both had those old motorcycles waxed and shined to perfection.. Can't say much about their appearances though.. All that gray hair and the equally gray beard on the one, is hard to put a shine on.. <smile> But, they were both well trimmed, excluding the hair just a bit too long for some.. This morning was cool and brisk and they'd enjoyed their ride over from Ft.Worth to Irving.. We drank that pot of hot, strong coffee and remembered ... Our conversation evolved around the activities that we'd participated in.. relative to veterans advocacy.. Pleasant conversation but not nearly enough.. There is much, left to be done .. to ensure that America never forgets the debts that we owe to the living monuments to American courage and integrity.. A couple of the good neighbors who've lived around me all these years dropped by to join us.. Geez.. I had to make some more of that good coffee.. While we talked, those neighbors realized where these old warriors were heading.. Well, well... They decided to join them and they all left here just a few minutes ago, headed for that hospital.. Now, ain't life grand ? This is the second year in a row that I've not been able to join them and go visit those brothers in arms.. Dammit.. I have to admit, that as I watched those good men ride and drive away, it sure mad me sad.. Good Lord willing, I'll make it up in the coming year.. Many regards on this day to remember our veterans .. Bill Walker Irving
