Billops of Appomattox displays the Bronze Star medal he earned for heroism in Vietmam. Jeffrey Westbrook/Times Virginian

Our nation owes much to the men and women who have served in the U.S. military to defend our land and our freedom, and accordingly, we have several days throughout the year to recall what they have done. The 80th anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day last week (Dec. 7) recalled to mind a fascinating conversation I had with one of our veterans, Joseph Billops of Appomattox, on Veterans Day.

We met quite by chance at the American Legion Post 104 following the Veterans Day program the Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9855 (both of Appomattox) held. We met while standing in line for the lunch, which followed, and we sat together while he regaled me with stories of what life in the military was like in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. I would recommend that everyone take some time to listen to the stories of veterans, at least those who are willing to talk about their experiences.

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