I think Sesame Street had the right idea about the people that you meet in your neighborhood. You know, the people that you meet as you’re walking down the street each day? That applies to Costco, too (my other neighborhood).
Let me back up a little. Whenever my dad leaves the house, he is wearing his WWII B29 crew veteran hat. Over the years of going places with him, I’ve grown accustomed to people stopping and thanking him for his service. I’ve seen people engage in long conversations with him, shake his hand, and buy him lunch. It always means so much to him for someone to take the time to show appreciation.
Now it’s hard for me to walk past a veteran without stopping and thanking them for their service – especially a WWII vet. They are easy to spot because the pride they take in their service and their country is so often displayed via their hats.
During my last trip to Costco I met a gentleman who is a WWII vet. His name is Mike Morro. I stopped to thank him for his service and we ended up having a wonderful conversation. He served in the Pacific like my dad did, and then he re-enlisted in the 1970s as a doctor in the navy. This delightful gentleman will turn 90 this summer; and he is still politically active, cares for his country and is a responsible citizen.
I was impressed that not only did he carry a picture of himself in uniform, but he carries one of his father who served in WWI. There is a lot of history in that wallet!
He pulled out a couple of other pictures and before showing them to me said, “Now, I’m not sure which way you voted in the election, but look at this.”
There he was in a photo with Mike Pence and holding his Veterans for Trump sign. You have to respect an 89-year-old man who is so articulate and active, not to mention polite, respectful, and down-right friendly. It’s easy to see why that generation is called the greatest.
Thank you, Mr. Morro, for your service to our country, and thank you for taking a few minutes to talk beyond the sample line at Costco. It was such a pleasure to meet you!
Mike Morro and I at Costco (I have to remember to wear make-up when I leave the house. You never know who you’ll run into!)
Life on the Lighter Side 
moggie
/ January 14, 2017Love this story Bonnie. It made me think of Macey’s interview with the man across the street from our Lake Bosse house, can’t remember his name but a great memory.
Bonnie Anderson
/ January 16, 2017Thanks. I do remember that man. He had a sad story.
Kristin Morro
/ January 19, 2017This is my grandfather-in-law and I am so proud to call him family. I told his dad that I may have had a crush on his son when I met him, but after meeting his family I fell in love. Such an honor to meet a person like Mike Morro. I don’t know about anyone else, but it gives me renewed faith in humanity.
Bonnie Anderson
/ January 19, 2017I agree, Kristin. Your grandfather-in-law is inspiring. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it. If you’d like to follow my blog, there’s a button for that on my home page.