How An Old Leather Wristband Caused A General To Salute Me

But what happened when I wore it to a military ceremony taught me that some objects carry far more meaning than anyone realizes.

And in my case, that meaning was powerful enough to make a decorated general stop in his tracks and salute.

A Family Keepsake

The wristband had belonged to my grandfather.

He served in the military decades ago and rarely spoke about his experiences. Like many veterans of his generation, he preferred to keep difficult memories private.

After he passed away, a small collection of personal belongings was given to family members.

Among them was the leather wristband.

No one knew much about it.

There were no inscriptions.

No official markings.

No explanation.

Still, I kept it because it had belonged to him.