I met an elderly gentleman at the supermarket last week.

He was neatly dressed and wore a cap that read “US Navy, World War II veteran.”

I introduced myself and asked him where he served.

He told me he sailed aboard the USS North Carolina that fought in the Pacific.

I asked him, “Sir, what was your duty on the battleship?”

He said - “Trumpet … I played trumpet … and, I was a damage control officer.”

I smiled and asked him, “Who is your favorite horn player?”

He told me, “Alison Balsom - listen to her play and you will know why!”

The gentleman told me he was almost 100 years old.

Old perhaps yet young at heart. And, still playing his horn.

Thank you, Sir! 🎺

Brian Cooke