John: Living History Walking Through the Airport

I saw my father today, though he passed away a few years ago. In the Missoula airport, minding my own business. The old man in front of me wore a blue, tell-tale WWII vet baseball cap: St. Charles VFW. European Theater. 1942-1946. I said "so you were in Europe during some tough years." His eyes sparkled, like my father's used to. I reached out my hand, and said "thank you for doing what you did....my generation appreciates it....you guys really are the greatest generation."

He was a bit taken aback. Modest. Regular guy. I coexed him into talking. Said his name is John.

He told me about his role in B17 bombers over Germany, France, and Austria. He understood me when I told him my dad was on the first wave of Iwo Jima. Told me how his wife died 31 years ago. A tear appeared in his right eye. I did the calculations in my head: that was my freshman year, the year I met the love of my life and wife today. He told me about his buddies at the VFW in St. Charles, IL. Middle of the country stuff. He told me he was a "long time Republican." He added, "I'm talking too much."

Then he shocked me. He switched gears. "The guys today have it tough" he said. "I feel for them." He said too many are dying. Mentioned "stupid religious wars." Told me about our guys dying in "a civil war that's been going on forever." He told me "it's crazy" and "this President is bad news." He repeated several times: "and I'm a Republican." "It's terrible."

I told him my father was in the big Pacific battles and wondered out loud what my father would think of the current situation. He said "he'd think just like me....this is not right...it's a civil war....he'd be sad that our kids our dying....we have no business there...when will we learn."

When we arrived in Chicago I saw him at baggage claim. I said hello. Nice talking with you. Thank you again. I walked towards the taxi. Stopped and watched him for a long time. An older man, walking through the aiport with a baseball cap on. Amongst people going about their business. Did people realize this little man bombed Germany? Liberated Europe? Wonders why we are in Iraq? And he's a Republican.

I saw my father. Thought about my father. Wondered about my father. A tear came into my eye. Waiting for my taxi, the world seemed different. I'd just met a little, great man who played a role in The Big One...who was sad for what is happening today, who reminded me of my great father.