Parade At the Fort Carson Post Exchange (Px)

Today, I was sitting in the PX snack bar sipping a cup o' joe, Just biding my time while my spouse was busily spending dough! There was a host of intriguing people passing by in review. I couldn't help but muse about them as I savored my cup o' brew. I peered back thro' the mists of time when I was a swaggering youth, Proudly wearing my uniform. (I was smitten with nostalgia, to tell the truth!). Watching those young soldiers strolling by, my soul was filled with pride, But I was jolted from my reverie, knowing that too many like them have died. A sergeant hobbled by on crutches, no doubt wounded in the war. So young, so very young, thought I, to have seen such morbid gore. His son, about five years old I'd judge, marched proudly at his side. I couldn't help but note the love and pride exhibited by his bride. An old veteran leaned on his cane and was tenderly guided by his wife. No doubt, he was a Greatest Generation hero who'd see his share of strife. Gathered around a table were grey-haired veterans enjoying lunch. Tho' I couldn't hear their banter, they traded war stories was my hunch. A young mother and her kids scurried by - their soldier I suspect was overseas. I'm sure her fervent prayer was, "God, bring him home safely, will you please?" Watching the parade at Fort Carson PX is one that to me will never grow old. Each member of the unique military fraternity has an epic tale to be told! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)