In my last post I mentioned going to the World War Two victory commemoration programs. I went wearing a sort of uniform that included all my service awards and decorations. American uniforms are not often seen on the street in Jerusalem so a number of people asked to take a picture or to find out what this was all about. Two of the cases are worth mentioning in greater detail.
One photographer wanted a picture with me standing on a concrete bench. He asked a group of high school girls to move away a short distance so he could get the shot. After he was finished I took the trouble to approach the girls. An interesting dialogue followed, conducted in Hebrew, of course. Some of the girls were even quite surprised that I spoke Hebrew. When they learned I had served in the Israeli Defence Forces they were even more impressed. I answered their questions and encouraged them to learn English because it would probably help them later on in life. I also noted my row of unit award ribbons and explained to them that teamwork was especially important. You don’t have to be a hero. But you should always do every task to the best of your ability.
Later on, I was waiting for a bus to return home, when I had a similar conversation with 4 young men who were in their first months of service. I asked one of them what he wanted to do in the army. He said he had a hearing problem and could not choose any more prestigious combat job. I told him, too, the story about teamwork and doing your best. Some of what I told them appears in this blog in other places. Everyone can find a way to make a positive contribution. I hope all of them were listening carefully and will remember what I said.
Wetherhorn 