An Homage to SEAL Team 6

Today I witnessed a form of respect I never would have expected. As I was eating breakfast at a small deli reading about Seal Team 6 in the Daily News, I noticed a homeless man. He is an older gentleman who is harmless and keeps to himself. His hair is a bit long and he wears a slightly overgrown beard, but he is neat and clean.  

I glanced over from time to time to monitor his movements. I watched as he approached the shelf holding the newspapers. He was reading the same paper as I was. The difference was that I could pay for my paper and he could not.  As people approached, he would step back to allow them to buy a newspaper.  Once they left, he returned to reading the newspaper still on the shelf. 

I saw him calmly strike the shelf with a closed fist. I realized that he and I were both reading about SEAL Team 6. The picture of the helicopter stood out on the paper he was reading as much as it did in mine. I decided to write a blog entry about this tragedy.  Then I witnessed what this man did.  His tribute outdid anything I can say here.

He stood at attention as the paper lay open. He took a step back from his original spot.   Still at attention, he slowly saluted as he looked directly ahead, much like one would do as a member of the military. He saluted slowly, showing respect and recognition. He did so three times. 

When he was finished, the deli owner gave him a muffin.  I don’t know if he paid for it.   As I left, I slid my paper across the table to him.  We didn’t speak.  He nodded in appreciation and I walked out the door.  I will talk with him when I see him again. Today, my words couldn’t match his actions.

Since the events of 9/11 I cannot recall experiencing more pride in our country than the role played by SEAL Team 6 in successfully eliminating Osama Bin Laden. Let us not forget our armed forces were assigned halfway around the world to complete a mission thought to be unachievable when President Bush indicated Osama Bin Laden was wanted dead or alive.

No matter what opinion we may have about the role of Navy SEALS, it should be recognized by one and all that this team with the other branches of our armed forces responded to help ensure the likelihood the United States would not fall prey to domestic terrorist attacks again. 

There will be many comments about what happened, who was involved, and how it was possible the Taliban was successful. I choose not to go there.  I would rather recognize this team for what it represents; courage, commitment, loyalty, dedication, and a desire to do what needs to be done even when others say it is impossible.  

A total of 30 people were killed. As we have learned 22 SEALs and 8 additional Americans along with 7 Afghan commandos died. Nonetheless, I see them standing tall, as I do all members of the armed forces who have represented us in the War on Terror.

A homeless man stood at attention today while I ate bacon and eggs. He saluted a newspaper which told a horrific tale.  His salute recognized the deaths of the SEALS as well as all military personnel.   His example serves notice that all personnel lost in this war, not just SEAL Team 6, are officers still standing in our hearts.

I return this gentleman’s salute.  He remembered the SEALS with great pathos and distinction. I recognize the role of a homeless man who took the time to pay respect in a way few of us ever do. It took to a veteran to do it.