A Marine stood guard at a cemetery on Veteran’s Day waiting for his shift to be over. He was ready to wrap up the day and head to the local watering hole for a few cold ones. He looked at his watch and realized he had about five minutes left on duty before the gates closed.

It was a hot day to be in full dress when he saw an old Cadillac Deville pull into the parking lot at a snail’s pace. He saw an old woman get out of the car using a cane and holding an arm full of flowers. He thought to himself that his dream of heading home in five minutes had just went out the window.

It was, however, his day to help visitors, so he went to help the woman in hopes of hurrying her along. He asked her if he could assist her and she asked him to carry the flowers she was holding. She then looked up and asked him where he had been stationed.

He explained that he was in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. She replied, “Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I’ll be quick as I can.” She could tell by his steady limp that he had been wounded, and thanked him for his service.

She headed to the World War I section where she picked out a bunch of flowers and laid it on a stone that said Donald S. Davidson, USMC, Franc, 1918. Next she went to the World War II section where she laid more flowers on a stone that said Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943, and another bundle on a stone that said Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944.

Next, she found her way to the Vietnam section where she laid the remaining flowers on the stones of Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She then turned to the Marine and told him she was done.

He looked at her and asked, “If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?” She paused and replied, “Yes, Donald Davidson was my father; Stephen was my uncle; Stanley was my husband; and Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines.”

The Marine waited for the woman to head to her car and then ran to another Marine standing by. He told him to get to the gate quick, and without asking anything, they both ran to the gate to meet the woman before she exited.

They stood in attention and gave her a salute as the old Cadillac exited the cemetery. Two old worn-out soldiers gave her the send off that she deserved, for the service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor, and sacrifice.

Now if that doesn’t just bring a tear to your eye. Be sure to share this heartwarming story with your friends and family. Be sure to remember and honor those that gave up their freedom so that we could enjoy ours.