A Man Stands in the Cold

A Man Stands in the Cold: A Memorial Day Tribute 

A man stands in the cold, waiting. 

I wake up, have my coffee and hop in the shower. My thoughts turn to the day ahead. I wonder what we’re having for dinner tonight? 

A man stands in the cold waiting. He scans the horizon, ready. 

I start my car and drive into work; still thinking about what I have to do today. Will I be able to figure out that report my manager wants? Should I go to lunch with the guys or be good and eat what I brought from home? 

A man stands in the cold, waiting. He scans the horizon, ready. He welcomes the challenge and opportunity to defend. 

At work now, kind of tired. I didn’t get great sleep the night before. Maybe I’ll have some coffee, that’ll wake me up. I say hey to a co-worker and talk about college football. Notre Dame lost over the weekend, I’m pretty unhappy about it. 

A man stands in the cold, waiting. He scans the horizon, ready. He welcomes the challenge and opportunity to defend. It’s the middle of the day, he’s been in the same spot looking in the same direction for hours now.

I’m on my fourth conference call, pretty bored at this point. Looking forward to going home, eating dinner with my wife, and talking about our day. We’re having steak for the second time this week. 

A man stands in the cold, waiting. He scans the horizon, ready. He welcomes the challenge and opportunity to defend. It’s getting dark now, he realizes he hasn’t eaten. Maybe he should, he whispers to himself. 

Dinner was delicious. Watching TV now, the day is winding now, my wife in my arms. I tell her I love her and head to bed. Thirty minutes later I’m fast asleep, not a worry in my head. 

A man stands in the cold, waiting. He scans the horizon, ready. He welcomes the challenge and opportunity to defend. It’s pitch black now and he stands alone. He’s hungry, cold and tired but sleeping isn’t an option, he has to defend.   

This man is a soldier. If he survives his time in the military, he will be a veteran. He sits in the cold and watches, hungry and tired, because it’s his duty. He loves his country and what it stands for. This man is a solder and I thank him.