Unfiltered Story #18454

I was in Washington, D.C. for a work conference one summer. It was a really nice day, so I decided to walk from my hotel to the National Mall. I was walking along the Vietnam Memorial; looking at the names, and saying a quiet prayer. I notice a man with a Vietnam War veteran hat on trying to find a name (probably someone that he knew). I decide to walk up to him.

Me: Excuse me…

Him: Yes?

Me: I’m sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to thank you for your service.

Him: (tears well up so quickly) Thank you.

He pulls me into a hug and I just held him tight while he cried on my shoulder.

Him: It was so hard. I miss my friends. They don’t understand…

Me: I know. I’m so sorry.

We finally released each other and went our own ways, but I never will forget that moment as long as I live.