Proud to be an American

I couldn't find the camera fast enough so no pictures. I hope that words can express how I felt and what happened. I am sitting reading a book in the St. Louis airport, when in the distance I hear bagpipes and a drum, my first thought was that is different music to be playing at an airport....But then I realize that it is getting louder and closer. I stand up and look around, and notice others are to, wondering what is this all about. Finally I see the piper, and drummer and hear everyone in the airport standing a applauding. Tears come even now remembering. And then there were wheelchairs with elderly men in uniform, or wearing hats that said WWII Veterans, there must have been at least 20 of them. Some of them their wives were with them, others being pushed by younger people. About 15 were walking on their own power through the airport to the farthest gate, and the entire way everyone stopped what they were doing, stood and applauded. It was an amazing experience. It is called the Honor Tour. I had heard that here was a gentleman, trying to get as many WWII vets as possible to see the WWII Veterans Memorial. They must have had some kind of stop in St. Louis.
I couldn't help but think of my own dad who served in Papu New Guinea, Australia, and Philippines, and until just before he died wouldn't talk about those experiences. My father in law is also a Vet, was in Japan at the end of the war. I thank them for their sacrifice and service. I also think of friends who died in Viet Nam, and now friends sons who are in Iraq. I wonder if we really value the freedoms we have? My ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, and the Mexican American war, Korean Conflict. I am grateful, and also grateful for the beautiful reminder while waiting for a plane in St. Louis.