Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the difference. That one small act of kindness will brighten someone’s day—and it will become a life-long memory.
For one WWII Veteran, that’s exactly what happened on an otherwise ordinary day. 99-year-old war hero, Ed, was waiting in New York’s Penn Station for his train to arrive. He was headed home to Baltimore.
Ed looked quite unassuming among the crowd of travelers. The quiet man was wearing a large badge stating his disability—he is mostly deaf.
An Amtrack employee, named Dwayne, was going about daily business when he noticed the old man waiting in line.
Then he noticed the man’s hat, which read “USN Armed Services, WWII Veteran.”
That’s when he took it upon himself to do something amazing for the elderly veteran. Dwayne immediately moved Ed to the front of the line.
He introduced the old man to employees who graciously shook his hand and thanked him for his service.
Dwayne led a round of applause that continued to the group of travelers behind him.
Ed smiled ear-to-ear, grateful and honored.
Dwayne exclaimed, “Thank you so much. You paved the way for me.”
After the beautiful spectacle, Dwayne personally escorted Ed to his train.
He would be the first to board, ahead of all other passengers.
We can never fully repay veterans for all they have done for us.
But we can show our gratitude in small but meaningful ways that won’t go unnoticed.
The next time you see a war hero, remember this story and find a way to say “thank-you.”
Share this patriotic story with family and friends using the buttons below.