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Today I took Lorraine out for a quick run to fill up her gas tank but honestly,  I look for reasons go for a ride.  Today was a typical what I call July 4th Eve.  There were a good number of people out and about and traffic was a bit more than what you would see on a normal Monday afternoon.  The weather was warm and the humidity is already hitting Pittsburgh summer levels!

After filling up the tank I made a quick circle around town to extend what would be a rather short an uneventful ride.  While driving, I noticed an older gentleman waking towards the bus stop with a couple of bags and looking a bit overheated.  It was clear that he walked quite a distance to get to this point and still had a way to go.  I heard a voice that told me to turn around and ask him if he needed a ride.

When I pulled up his eyes focused on the Packard and a smile grew on his face from ear to ear.  I asked him if he needed a ride and he said that he certainly did at least to where he could catch the next bus.  It turned out that his home wasn't too far so I invited to Bruce climb on in for his ride home in vintage Packard style.  He said that he felt like he was going to the prom even though he said he was turned down many years ago. 

It turns out that Bruce was a Vietnam Veteran who was drafted out of high school in the late 60's.  I thanked him for his service to our country and wished him a happy 4th of July.  He thanked me and then went on to say after his service that he adjusted well but some didn't, and some couldn't.  He also complained about the Veterans Administration but didn't go into his issues but he did mention that he loved his country.  As I drove down his street he pointed and said "there's my home, the one with the flag flying out front". It was an American Flag that was slowly blowing in the wind.  When I mentioned that the flag looked beautiful, he responded by proudly saying "I fly it every day".

Bruce, thank you for your service to our country and for being a Patriot.  Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, it's real simple.

Happy Independence Day to everyone.  Please do not take our freedoms for granted.