Last year I was approached by a man in Usti nab Laben, Czech Republic. He asked my translator if it would be OK to present the Americans with a gift. He then produced a small bag which contained an old, rusty, but still readable tin can. We quickly identified it as a standard issue C-ration can of corned beef hash. He then told us the story behind the can.
In April 1945, his family had been displaced by the destruction wrought by the advance of the allies deep into the heart of the German occupied territories. As refugees, they hadn’t had a meal in over a week. As one of the many American columns passed by, several of the GIs stopped, opened their packs, and gave their rations with the families that shared the roads with the convoys. He said it wasn’t much, but it allowed them to continue onward until they could find safe refuge. For 59 years, he had kept that can as a reminder of the kindness of the Americans, who had selflessly shared what little they had with complete strangers.
When he’d heard on the radio that some American soldiers would be in town for an exercise, he’d come in hopes of being able to return the can and at long last, give an American soldier his heart felt thanks for saving the lives of both he and his family so many years ago.
You see, it is not about oil or might, it is about doing what's right. It is the true patriot that stands alone when others won't; when it is easier to simply do nothing than to do something. It is humorous to me that those that complain the loudest have done the least to begin with. It is pretty easy to "armchair the game" from the comfort of you living room, eh Wikked??
I'm humbled to be a simple American soldier.
