Letter: A remembrance suitable for Veterans Day

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1998 | 9:58 a.m.

Armistice Day, Nov. 11, makes me think of a Reader's Digest article Reader's Digest around the end of World War II. To the best of my recollection it went as follows:

A newly graduated lieutenant was walking, on Broadway, and passed the San Diego Plaza.

The San Diego Plaza was a collecting place for off-duty servicemen, all branches. A Marine snapped to attention and saluted with his left hand.

The newly graduated lieutenant, stopped, made a right turn and walked up to the Marine.

Putting his face close to the Marine, he said, "Mister, is that the proper way to salute an officer?"

The Marine dropped his left arm and saluting with his right, saying, "Sorry, sir."

As his right arm reached its position the sleeve of his jacket folded over at the elbow.

The lieutenant took two steps back, stood at attention and made the best salute of his career saying, "No, sir! I'm sorry." Then he continued on his way.

Richard Everding

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