Veterans Day in Louisville

He stood tall,
towering over the rest of us
who were sitting at white linen covered tables in the hotel ballroom
where we are trying our best
to absorb parliamentary procedure.

"I ask for a point of privelege," he stated.
"In Padukah, Kentucky, it is eleven minutes
before the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day
of the eleventh month of the year.
I would like for us to pause
and to pray for all of those in the armed services."

We paused while he prayed eloquently
for those who serve
and for their families
and with gratitude for all of those who have ever served.

It caught us quite unaware in the meeting,
this surprise
and endearing moment of grace.
Then we quickly resumed our work
into the intricacies of motions
and substitute motions
and knowing when they could be deemed perfected.