2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

Recognition

Author: 
Michael Trzaska
Monday, May 21, 2018

Bob, a Vietnam Veteran, was seated at the counter.   He didn’t acknowledge the suspicious looking man when he sat down the far end.

The man motioned my way.

“M’am”, he said, “I'm buying that hero his lunch.”

I caught a final glimpse of the man as he exited the dinner.  Seeing his prosthetic legs and the bright purple heart logo embroidered on his ball cap, I’m embarrassed that I judged him.