I love my local for too many reasons. Not the least among them is the fact that the regulars are a hodgepodge of humanity. All ages, races, and orientations are welcome under the big booze filled tent that is my local bar.
Last night I spent the better part of an hour bending elbows with a late 70something gentleman who I’ve know for a long time. For no good reason, I never knew that Eddie was a veteran. I’ve had more conversations with this gent than I can remember but we’ve never talked about his service or his time in the Korean Theatre.
I don’t know how the topic came up, but I just listened as Eddie told me the lighthearted and funnier parts of war. It was loud and profane and had me in tears with laughter. Suddenly Eddie’s face took a somber pale and he said:
You know, Refugee, that’s the reason I hate that mutherfucker Dick Cheney and his cronies. It’s only the assholes who’ve never seen war that are eager to go back to it.
I was dumbstruck with the simplicity of his statement. I just thanked him for his service… and paid his tab.
Posted by restaurant refugee 
