Exceptional A tribute to those who gave their all Not Just A Hat-Long Version by Earl Corp      200 Word Story Contest Winner

While pumping gas, I noticed a guy wearing an Army veteran hat. In fact, I was wearing the same hat. I asked him when and where he served. He gave me a blank look and said he’d never been in the service. Then said something I’ll never forget. “It’s just a hat.” I chose not to confront him, but those words stung. Being a veteran meant I was willing to leave home and defend our nation, that means something to me and I’m sure it does to the 19 million living veterans In the U.S. To us it’s not just a hat. It symbolizes our love and devotion to this country, and our willingness to die for people we don’t even know. The word heroes gets thrown around a lot concerning anyone who ever put on the uniform. Living veterans don’t consider themselves heroes, that distinction and honor belongs to those who didn’t make it home. It symbolizes honor, duty and sacrifice by us and our comrades. We don’t wear them to get veteran’s discounts or people to shake our hands and say “thank you.” There are 1,302,684 who died in battle since 1776. That’s why I wear the hat.   Writing Prompt Write a story of 200 words. not including the title. Any subject accepted. Must be exactly 200 words. 200 Word Story Contest Winner Recognized Author Notes *I could have written volumes on this subject. * On the plus side, he didn't try to BS me and tell me he was a Green Beret in Vietnam. * It was my wish that the next time he uses the hat to get a free meal he chokes. * that is a picture of the actual hat.

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