Harry W. Freeman: Merced filled with patriotism, too

Re “Many kind people in Merced” (Letters, June 27): After reading the letter, I was inspired to add that there are many more who are still patriotic and prove it. My son, who served two tours in Iraq, now resides in Merced. I served during the occupation (WWII), Korean War and was wounded three times in Vietnam. I retired to Los Banos.

In 2013, theaters in Los Banos refused to show the movie “Red Tails,” which left me downhearted. My son took me to see the movie in Merced, and I recalled residing in those old wooden barracks. The end took my breath away, as the complete theater rose in a standing ovation, clapping, tears and cheers. There’s more.

Our son joined my wife and I at the Black Bear Restaurant for a delayed Mothers’ Day celebration. The waiter came to our table and inquired if anyone was a veteran and owned the car with VA and military insignia. My wife said, “My husband and our son is also.” The waiter informed us that someone had paid for all of our meals, sent a “thank you” note and had left the restaurant. Whomever you are, we thank you and the city of Merced for the sense of patriotism.

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Harry W. Freeman: Merced filled with patriotism, too."