I was touched today. Having been around for more than a half a century, I have to say it takes a lot to bring me to that point.

I decided to pay Home Depot a visit this afternoon. It was raining so I grabbed my Army gortex parka. I also had my blue beret on. Checking out of the store, one of the employee's came over, stopped me and thanked me. I had to pause a moment to figure out what she was thanking me for. Then it dawned on me, she thought I was an Iraqi veteran. I didn't have the heart to explain to her I wasn't. I accepted her thanks and went my way.

Later in my truck, I had time to reflect about what had happened. I was contrasting what had just happened - to my reception when I returned home from Vietnam. I won't go into the details, just will say, my return trips from Vietnam weren't welcomed returns. The last one I was made to feel very unwelcome.

Maybe not deservingly, some how I felt better today.