ThankAVet

I just spent the past two hours watching a very moving tribute to Veterans. No it wasn't televised on TV, it was televised via www.onlinepianobar.com by an entertainer named Kenyon Dye. Kenyon is a Piano man, entertaining men and women in the Northern Florida area. Today, he was playing for the Hammock Dunes just south of St. Augustine, Florida as Veterans came together to honor their own.

Kenyon had cameras going during the tribute as speakers toasted and applauded the men and women of the Armed Services that have fought in campaigns overseas and for those who guard us here at home on our soil. Perhaps the horrific events of the past week at Fort Hood in Texas helped fuel the emotion of the ceremonies, but the intensity of this gathering for Veterans Day is one I have never witnessed before.

There were speeches, but no long diatribes about the USA and how wonderful we are, it was more personal than that. It was as if every person in attendance was given a hand to shake which silently said, "Thank you for your service." There were patriotic songs like "God Bless the USA," played from YouTube on a large screen. "God Bless America" was played as well as "The Star Spangled Banner." But that would lead you to believe there was bravado in the service. There was none of that:just the love of every man and woman for their fellow man and a deep and reverent respect for the service that these amazing people have given to and for our country.

The culmination of the event is one I will replay over and over in my mind from this day forward. I have been to many funerals where the flag was given to the spouse, parent of the veteran who was laid not more than five feet from the person in the front row of the grieving family. I've watched as flags have been removed from poles and gently folded and handed to loved ones. But I have never seen the service I was privileged to view today.

To honor those who have died in the service of our country, a pre-folded flag was opened. That sounded so simple, unfold a flag. Two men, in uniform, one holding the bulk of the flag, while the other ceremoniously and precisely unfolded the flag in the most reverent and beautiful manner I have ever witnessed. Each opening of a layer in slow motion, pristine and polished, and then gently tugged to smooth the flags folds until piece by piece the flag was opened to it's full glory. Then slowly and reverently the flag was once again folded, in slow motion, with those amazing tugs to smooth the folds. And at the end of the folding, a full salute in ultra slow motion. My heart literally stopped in my chest as I watched.

There is a Chatroom on OnlinePianoBar when Kenyon Dye performs, where we sit and talk about what we are seeing or comment about the ongoing proceedings. The only words uttered were "I'm crying," and, "I am SO proud to be an American right now." I sat, tears streaming down my own face as taps were gently played.

We are a nation of troubles and confusion at times and we fight like siblings fight, however, I have seen time and time again, how such an intimate and beautiful ceremony brings us back to the reality that we are truly a fortunate nation. A Nation that can take great pride it what it stands for. Yes, we are hated in many parts of the world. But today, one gentleman from Moscow and one from the UK who watched with us from their own countries saw what makes us great. Perhaps one or two people at a time can begin to spread the beauty that the USA is about through their recalling of this days events.

God Bless the men and women who have given their lives to protect our country, and God Bless the families who have been left behind. May we all find peace in our hearts on days such as this.

There will be replays of todays events on November 11th at www.onlinepianobar.com. You are cordially invited to attend. I'll be there rewatching the events and the unfolding of our flag once more. God Bless America.