Civil War Veteran

While much of the discussion thus far has been serious, I was reminded of one of my favorite and most humorous interactions with a homeless individual while fishing under the bridge in Fort Pierce one night. I was not unfamiliar with being approached by the homeless asking for money, and prepared myself as I saw a man walking along the bridge striking up conversations with strangers who became immediately disinterested. As he walked up, I could tell he had been drinking pretty heavily and assumed he would ask me for some change.

I usually am not willing to give up money to the homeless, (I will buy them food or socks or blankets) but do enjoy hearing some of the stories they use to try and win my affections. The man asked gruffly if I had any money to spare for food, but instead of going straight to the exchange, I asked him about himself and why I should give him money instead of the food I had with me. After thinking for a moment, he replied "Well I'm a Veteran." I believed this, as many of the homeless community nationwide were in the Armed Forces. Not willing to relinquish my goods quite yet, I pressed further.

"Oh Yeah?" I replied, "What war did you serve in?" I assumed him to be a Vietnam vet, as he looked to be about the right age. I must admit, however I was taken aback when he replied "Uhh... the Civil War!" Fascinated and dumbfounded at my apparent inability to calculate age by appearance I said "Wow! Which side were you on?" Without missing a beat he boasted, "America!" and accompanied this information with a look of disgust and disbelief I could even fathom asking such a ridiculous question.

After inquiring as to his age, he asked if I had money, which I gave him simply for being such a living legend, and amazing storyteller, as well as surviving for so long after fighting such a bloody war.