I was running a service call last evening in Hagerstown, MD, at a chain restaurant (something between "fast food" and "casual dining"). I had to wait for a Network Operations Center to get back to me, so I was out in the parking lot at my vehicle having a cigarette.

I was parked next to the handicapped parking slots when a rather well-seasoned mini van (with a handicapped placard, or, as my 96-year-old aunt calls it, a "gimp card," on the mirror) pulled into the slot next to me.

The driver (male, early 50's (?)), got out, retrieved one of those walker/seat things from the back, and took it to the passenger side of the van (nearest me), and handed off to the passenger, a guy easily into his 80's. I assumed it was the older guy's son, and that he was going to assist him the rest of the way.

The driver gets back in the van, and the older guy starts trying to navigate toward the doors. This restaurant has an air-lock entry, with two doors that open out and require some pull.

Since the van driver was apparently an asshole, I asked the old guy if he needed a hand with the door (walker, strong doors opening out--pretty obvious) and went to help him. It was at this point that I noticed his "Korean War Veteran" hat.

As I held the second door for him, and before I had a chance to say anything, he turned to me and said "Thank you for your service." This so surprised me I'm not sure of my response.

He came out about a half-hour later with a similarly-aged friend he had met for dinner, so the friend held the doors this time. As he was getting back into his van, he said to me "Thanks again for your service." This time, at least, I was able to respond with "And thank YOU for YOUR service."

Very nice. You know there are almost enough quality people out there to make up for the assholes!

Don't be too quick to judge the "kid." Maybe he has heard this line one too many times from the old codger: "goddamnit son I can open my own goddamn door!"

(Probably not though ) And good for you.

The old guy came from a generation where thoughtfulness, good manners and consideration for others were qualities to strive for and live by.

Those aren't quite extinct yet, but certainly on the wane.