I’m sitting in the airport in Austin, Texas, and the faint and rare sound of a bagpipe can be heard in the background. It seems, at the very least, out of place in a major-city airport.
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As the sound grows louder, it’s clear that whoever is playing the instrument is drawing closer. In the distance, I can see a man in a plaid kilt walking down the hall toward where I’m sitting. And as he draws nearer, the people to my left rise to their feet. I, too, must stand—if only to see why the bagpipe-playing, kilt-wearing gentleman is garnering so much attention.
I then see that the bagpiper is leading a procession. Behind him, sitting statue-straight in rolling chairs, are 14 World War II veterans. I know this because they’re wearing identical caps proclaiming their status. The veterans are lined up two men to a row, just as if they were marching down the hall in formation.
All the people I can see—other than the 14 veterans—are now on their feet. And they’re applauding these aged heroes as they move down the airport hallway. The veterans, who all must be nearing if not beyond 90 years of age, are politely waving to the crowd. The sight is so moving that many people in the crowd are recording it with their phones, and tears can been seen rolling down more than one person’s cheeks.
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That’s when it happened. The veteran in the last row nearest to me looks over and spots a young boy maybe 7 or 8 years of age and crisply salutes the young onlooker. The boy raises his hand to his forehead and salutes the old soldier back. Two people, separated by three generations, share a moment, and all of us within sight get to experience it. And then the procession moves on, but the impression from the scene I had witnessed does not.
What this story has to do with management or leadership I’m not sure. But it was so profound of an experience that I had to share it. So let me offer a few thoughts that ran through my head as I reflected on what I had seen. Can you imagine being a part of something that—70 years later—the mere fact that you participated in it causes people to rise to their feet and applaud you? That you were a part of something so significant and memorable that people who weren’t born until 20, 40, even 60 years later want to honor you for your involvement?
I’m Not a Soldier
I’m not a soldier, never have been and never will be. I’m not a police officer, firefighter, or any other type of professional who puts himself or herself in harm’s way to help others. Like most of you, I go to work day in and day out safely tucked away within the four walls of my office. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aspire to leave our mark on this world. It doesn’t mean we can’t make this world a better place for others. Maybe not in the same way those veterans did when they took up their arms to defend our country, but we can still have an impact on the lives around us.
I was asked the other day whether the people who work for me can achieve their goals and dreams at our company. Sure, we talk about goals—but can I really help people achieve their dreams? What I’ve discovered is that yes, I can.
You see, some people dream of having a good-paying job that allows them to provide a good home for their families. Others dream of having meaningful work they truly enjoy or a work schedule that allows them to attend to an aging parent. And there are those who want to provide customers with products and services they truly need and appreciate.
Everyone has his or her own dreams. It’s your job as a manager to understand what they are and how you can help them achieve those dreams. Because if you can help people achieve their dreams, you’ll have a wonderfully motivated, loyal, and hardworking workforce. Now that’s a dream of most managers!
Mr. Oswald, thank you for sharing this experience, and for your thoughts on the good we can do in our work lives.
I suspect this group was an Honor Fight, a non-profit which provides flights at no charge for veterans to go to Washington D.C. to see the memorials commemorating their service. I was privileged to serve as an escort for my father in such an trip for WW2 vets this spring, 2014. He is 88. Your reaction was typical as we walked through airports across the country. Respect! Admiration! Applause! Tears! Hugs! Thanks for service. Spontaneity.
What it has to do with leadership? For the veterans, it was a decision to Walk the Talk. Put yourself on the line. Serve something larger than yourself. Commit for the commmon good. Take a risk.
what it has to do for leadership for all of us who see others who lead…? Recognizing leadership. Esteeming those who do it well. Encouragement. Passing along stories of great examples.
The emotion of those moments of bystanders being caught up in the moment were profound. Good leaders stir our hearts deeply. They are inspiring. Our homes, organizations, communities, states and nation need good leadership!
Ron Nichols, SPHR
Dan,
Very moving and inspiring! I will be sharing this with our managers. Thank you!
What a great and uplifting article! It will surely be sent to the supervisors throughout our organization!
I’m heading to Austin early next week – I wish I had been there to experience the event first hand! Thank you, Mr. Oswald for taking the chance and posting this wonderful article!
WOW…I’m from Texas and now live in TN. I only wish I had been at the Austin airport with you. Thanks for sharing. And, thanks for putting ‘why we work’ into perspective. If we can’t develop our staff and make a difference in their and our customers’ lives, then we’re losing out.
Sir, the event you no doubt witnessed was one of the several “Honor Flights” that are being done to pay homage to our World War II veterans. If anyone knows of a soldier who participated in WWII who wishes to be a part of this one-day trip to D.C. with special honors, please check this opportunity out quickly!
Thank you for sharing this story. I agree wholeheartedly with your summary. This world should be more about helping others and less about helping ourselves. Great recommendation for managers as so many employees want to be a part of the company and not just a cog in the wheel.
Blessings to you!
I enjoyed your story very much. I work for a non-profit community center for folks 55 and better. Their stories of what they have done in their lifetime is phenomenal.
it’s a reminder of the significant contribution by others before us and that we should never lose sight of our history, no matter how long past. it’s part of our job (at work and not) to always do the best we can in all the different roles we have during our lifetime… good managers, leaders, teachers, parents et al.
My father was a WWII Vet as well as a Portland City Fire Fighter. He also served in the American Legion as a Lifetime member. He just passed away at 92 last month. I heard many stories of valor and courage as I grew up. I will miss him. His life was one of sacrifice and I am so proud of what he gave to our country, city and community.
Thanks to Mr. Oswald for an essay that touched my heart, and for taking it further, to show how all of us can make a difference. The scene described reminded me of little John-John Kennedy, as he bravely saluted his father for the last time.
In the HR profession, it’s easy to feel that what we do is largely taken for granted – after all, we don’t make the product, sell the product, or count the receipts….but your essay is a reminder that everything we do counts – to someone, somewhere. We may never be aware of the effects our best efforts have, but at least we can smile, knowing it’s possible that when we do our best, we have the chance to reach across generations.
Thanks to Mr. Oswald, and to Veterans everywhere,
Jean
I a so glad these men are recognized for their service. Anytime I see a service man I make certain to thank them for their service.
At age 63 I remember Vietnam and the days when coming home and getting spit on by people in our country. Most of us hid our uniforms and stayed out of sight. For some of us Memorial Day still has a different meaning. Our country remembers WWI and WWII vets.
Our solders from other wars however and left to die before getting health care. I once had a young man who came home from Iraq. He would not talk about what happened over there. I told him I know because I went through the same thing in 1969-1972. I know about discrimination for being a vet. As a former HR Manager I remember having a heated discussion when the company did not want to bring vets back to work when they came back from Iraq or Afgan.
Please respect the people that have given much to have a country where you can enjoy the freedom we have in the USA. If you run into a vet, thank them for their service regardless of when and where. Please do not discriminate against our returning soldiers.
Army Ranger 1969-1975
I, too, was present in the San Antonio airport to witness this emotional procession. It made me proud to be an American. I posted my video on my FaceBook and the comments I have received are unbelievable. It has been shared among my friends many times. I thought it was beautiful tribute to these soldiers, and it was an experience of a lifetime for me! God Bless them and God Bless America!!Thank you Southwest Airlines for announcing it in the waiting area, and letting me and many others be a part of such a heartwarming wonderful moment!
I salute you! Thank you. Sign me, a Disabled Vietnam Vet
It is a fact, no other generation in our nation’s history had been dealt such a card that demanded deep personal sacrifices of everyone. During the a time and in a war-torn world gone mad with no certainty of restoration, these brave soldiers made the future we enjoy now,happen.