Second Chance to Meet
I’d seen the World War II Veteran about a year ago, sitting in Safeway’s Starbuck coffee area. I thought about stopping to greet him, but in my rush, I quickly gathered my groceries and left the store. I immediately felt that sense that I missed an opportunity. But I didn’t have time, I told myself. I never saw the old man again, until this week. He was in the same place, reading a newspaper. I smiled and slid into the chair across from him. I thanked him for his service to our nation. His cap had the insignia of the Coast Guard, and the remarkable label: World War II Veteran. He smiled back and asked, “May I have the pleasure of your name?” I told him and he said his name was Dale. I asked where he’d served. He reached inside his vest and pulled out a worn leather pouch. “I have permission of the US government to carry this with me.” Dale showed me his honorable discharge documents. And because I wanted to know more, he showed me a picture of the vessel he’d been on in