It always touches me when a random act of kindness is displayed to one of America’s veterans.
Especially when the veteran in question either spent his time punching Nazis in the face or shooting Kamikazes out of the sky.
In this case the veteran in question was one of the latter.
From Sons of Liberty:
A 92-year-old World War II veteran Robert Niemen was just wanting to have a meal with his son and a couple of other people for his birthday at Outback Steakhouse. However, what he experienced was an incredible display of respect and honor for a man that provided an incredible service for his country in time of need.
Bob Niemen, the son of the World War II veteran, wrote to Opposing Views about what happened at the Sebring, Florida Outback Steakhouse.
“I did 27 years on the Police Dept. and people never cease to amaze me in bad & good ways,” Nieman wrote in a message to Opposing Views. “My Dad is my hero & this was I think more of a happy moment for me than him, seeing someone appreciate him in this way actually brought a [sic] tears to my eyes.”
So, what happened that touched him so much?
When the bill came, which totaled $58.59, it was paid in full and some anonymous patrons wrote, “Thank you for your service!!” signing it, “Very Grateful Americans.”
Bob Niemen recounted the story:
“I wheeled my dad in & sat him down as I usually do,” Nieman explained. “I noticed this 1 couple across from us watching [and] 10 minutes later they were gone. Thinking no more about it we started offing our food with the waiter as we were doing so he said to all of us, ‘Don’t Worry about the bill it’s already been taken [care] of because of this man service to our country.’ My dad was at the time wearing his Lexington Hat like he always does started beaming from ear to ear. My mom asked who did this & the waiter said, ‘Don’t worry they already left but they wanted to make sure you all were taken care of.’ Me being the ex-cop I am had to know and pressed him some more. ‘It wasn’t the couple sitting at that table?’ I asked, ‘the couple I noticed earlier?’ He told me yes, it was…how did I know? ‘Just a good guess, I said.’”
You can read the entire article and see a photo of the gunner of the USS Lexington here: World War II Veteran Gets Unexpected Respect from Outback Steakhouse
The sad truth of it is that the generation that defended this nation against the insanity of the Nazi’s and the imperial ambitions of the Japanese are dwindling in number as they enter their final reward.
There will come a time when they are no more heroes to salute from the largest war in mankinds history. If you get the chance, pay it back because they sure as hell paid it forward.
I don’t mean you have to pick up their tab (though a good and generous notion) but a simple thank you is nice. They earned it.
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