Sleeping dogs

My grandfather fought in Korea during the Korean Conflict/War. He was in the 24th Infantry Division, the first U.S. troops to land in Korea. It's interesting to think that almost 60 years ago, he was in the same city that I'm in now, despite the difference in circumstances.

I brought over an old Army jacket of his from when he was in the National Guard, and I wore it a lot during the winter months. Sometimes people would ask about it, and I would tell them that it's not mine and then talk about how my grandfather fought in the war. I am really proud of the fact that my grandfather helped keep this country free, and I enjoyed letting people know what he'd done.

Then one day when I was on the train, I met an older man who has a job that's somehow involved with the U.S. Army forces stationed near Daegu. I told him about my grandfather, and for the next 30 minutes he thanked me over and over again for what my grandfather had done.

Ever since then I've stopped bringing it up so much in conversation. I mean, I'm really proud that my grandfather helped this country. However, when the man on the train kept thanking me, it made me feel guilty; I hadn't done anything to deserve such thanks. I could tell from the look in the man's eyes that he was as sincere as could be, yet who am I to take credit for my grandfather's service? I mean, I wasn't the one laying my life on the line.

I still tell people about my grandfather's service occasionally, but only if the conversation turns to such matters. For the most part I just let it be though, as it just makes me feel like a dirty rat when people start thanking me profusely for something I had no part in.