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Letters to the Editor

Pay it forward to vets

As I grow older, Veterans Day becomes more of a day of reflection. I am a proud veteran, the son of a veteran and the father of an Air Force staff sergeant winding down her service to this great country.

Annually, I watch “The Band of Brothers” and will argue silently with anyone who says a World War II soldier was not the true “soldier’s solider.”

A good friend of mine told me about “pay it forward.” It can be something as small as telling a stranger to have a nice day or paying for their meal at a drive-through restaurant.

Each time I see a veteran — often they are wearing a cap or a pin to let you know that they served — I say, “Thank you for your service.” The veteran appreciates that you took time to speak. And this gesture costs absolutely nothing.

Major Dick Winters, of Easy Company 506th, said his grandson asked him if he was a hero. He replied that he was not a hero, but he had served in a company of heroes.

On Veterans Day, please pay it forward and tell a veteran “thank you.” I promise it won’t hurt a bit.

Michael Korb

Georgetown

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Pay it forward to vets."

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