I share a table many mornings with a gentleman in the lobby of The Heights.

Our paths cross when I'm finished working out and I sit down to wait for my wife to appear, and he sits down to wait for his wife while she walks in the pool.

He's quiet but affable, and has a smile that invites conversation.

His name is Charles Stefani, and he's first-generation in the United States – Italian of course. He's the youngest of eight siblings, and is the only one of them that survives.

Thursday morning he wore a U.S. Army cap lined on one side with medals. He said he wears it for his buddies who no longer can.

When I asked, he said he served in France, Germany and Austria in World War II. He finished up in Vienna. He said he's never been back.

My wife showed up, and I thanked him for his service.

Thank you, all United States veterans, and all who serve.