Good on you Rooster7. I had a similar experience sans the job conflict. Greatest Generation is no bull.
No doubt Boom. I used to love waking up early on Memorial Day and walking or riding my bike up to the Church to see the Vets (including Grandpa) march down the road to the Church and do the 21 gun salute with the M1's over the cemetery.
I was always the only kid there it seemed...