
I totally forgot of the Poplar Bluff VA appointment today … good thing for the early reminder.
My appointment was not till 1300 hrs and I got there ‘cautiously‘ early … Brought my Bible and snacks, so I thought I could use the hour, waiting, wisely.
Parked under one of the shade trees, windows open, dog watered, I figured I would give Maya a pee break, like I had previously had upon arrival.

Before tethering her to her lead, she started to howl … OMG, what is this dog doing ‘howling’ in the VA parking lot ?!?! Maya was blessed with, among other things, very keen hearing. She can hear a siren 3 miles away, before I even have a clue!
I KID YOU NOT!

As I watched the procession grow, with VA employees and respectful onlookers, down one side of the busy Poplar Bluff thoroughfare; I could not help but shed a tear. Here were these people, on their lunch hour, paying respect for our fallen serviceman. Such an Honor!
This is the Heartland, this is the REAL America, where people give a damn!
As the lights of the procession approached, I panicked! What should I do, should I place my hand over my heart … which hand?!? Should I salute? … I am thinking that is the proper thing to do … How do I salute?!? Mind you, the last time I saluted was in 1975! Fortunate for me there was a fellow, standing next to my beloved Corps flag who ‘smartly’ snapped to and reminded me; it was just like riding a bike!
Never, in my 42 years of VA visits, have I witnessed such an honorable display from the V.A.
Thank you John Pershing V.A.!
OoRah!
“In America, we don’t worship government – We worship God“ ~ President Donald J. Trump
Thank you President Trump and Dr. David J. Shulkin for caring!