I direct a small-but-mighty choir made up of Iowa Veterans and their spouses who are residents of the Iowa Veterans Home.  We practice once a week, and perform at least once a month.  Most of our performances happen in the dining hall, and are fairly low-key affairs.

Today, though, we got to sing two hymns as part of the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day service.  Seeing these veterans, now all elders, sing and pray and speak and cry together, remembering what this war and their lives were like, hits a little differently.

I am barely a veteran.  I was injured early on, and worked random details while being treated at Martin Army hospital.  My primary weapon was a mop.  Doing this work, with these people, is how I make up for the service I was unable to give before. 

And I am grateful.