I saw a friend of mine today who happens to be a Veteran. I asked him if he had partaken of any of the free meals for Veterans offered by many of the local restaurants.

Well, he said, he hadn't really even thought of it before stopping to get a bite on Monday. And then he kinda grinned and I knew there was a story to be told.

Brian and his wife had stopped at a Culver's on Veteran's Day and were waiting in line behind an elderly woman. They really weren't paying attention until they heard the woman ask if it was necessary for her husband to come into the store to get his free ice cream sundae.

"He's a Korean Veteran," she said "but he doesn't get around too well anymore and he's waiting outside in the car." She motioned toward the door. "I can get him in here if I have to."

My friend Brian looked in the direction she had motioned and saw an older model Chevy at the curb in the handicapped parking spot. In the passenger seat sat a man, his grey-face peering anxiously into the store. He appeared to be about the same age as the old woman, and so Brian assumed that he was in fact the Veteran husband of the elderly lady.

"They're giving free ice cream sundaes to Veterans" said Brian's wife, tugging at his sleeve. She had obviously overheard the old woman herself. "Are you going to get one?"

"Oh, are you a Veteran, too?" the woman asked, turning Brian's way even as the clerk was explaining that it wouldn't be necessary for the old man to appear in person at the counter to get his free ice cream.

"Well, yes" said Brian. "Army. Two tours in Iraq."

"Well, you better get your free ice cream sundae" she said.

"So what'll you have?" asked the clerk.

"Oh!" she said, turning back to the counter. "George would like a cashew caramel sundae."

"Will that be all?"

"Yes."

The clerk stepped away.

"Aren't you getting one for yourself?" asked Brian.

"Well, no," was the reply, and she lowered her voice a bit. "Doctor says I shouldn't and besides, they're priced a little out of our budget, you know? Retirement monies just don't go far, but I thought George deserved a treat, especially on Veteran's Day."

The woman turned back to the counter to await her husband's treat. Brian looked her over, noticing the frayed collar on her coat and the button missing midway down its front.

"Here you go, ma'am." said the clerk sliding the single-scoop sundae across the counter. "And please wish your husband a Happy Veteran's Day from all of us."

The woman set about grabbing a few napkins as the clerk turned toward Brian.

"And you sir? What can I get you?"

"Free sundaes for Veterans?" asked Brian.

"Indeed!" said the clerk. "Can I get you one?"

"Not for me," Brian said. "But how about giving mine to this woman over here."

The woman looked up from where she was stashing paper napkins into her purse, a somewhat surprised look on her face upon determining that Brian was referring to her.

"Caramel cashew sound good?" Brian asked.

"Well, yeah... um... sure!" the woman answered, still somewhat perplexed.

"You better have one for yourself" Brian said by way of answering the questioning look. His voice then became even a little bit gruff, although still kind."Ain't no way a Korean Vet should have to share his special ice cream treat. Not on Veteran's Day, anyway. You better have one for yourself."

The old woman laughed, almost a giggle.

"Why, thank you young man" she said, and she put her things down before pulling him to her for a hug. And then she kissed him on the cheek before gathering her things and receiving the second sundae. Brian watched her as she stepped out the door and into the car, where both husband and wife would eat their ice cream treats before even leaving their parking space.

"My treat!" Brian whispered, just loud enough for his wife to overhear. And he claims it is the very best ice cream sundae he never ate.