Advice please

[AR15L]

The other day at the gas station this car pulls in behind me.
An older, (70~80's), gentleman gets out and starts to fill his tank.
Then I noticed his license plate: Gold Star
First time I'd ever seen one.
I wanted to say something to him but was completely tongue tied.

What would you have done?

[cmica]

its to show a US armed forces member who died while in service to his or her country

[AR15L]

its to show a US armed forces member who died while in service to his or her country

I know what it is but I wanted to say something and couldn't think of anything to say.

[jukk0u]

I think Lefty understands that, Chris.

If I were going to engage the gentleman in conversation, I would start by telling them that I saw their Gold Star and understand the significance of it and that I try to ensure that we are mindful of, continue that effort.

[cmica]

its to show a US armed forces member who died while in service to his or her country

I know what it is but I wanted to say something and couldn't think of anything to say.

OHH thought you didn't know what it ment, like you were shy to ask.


Jukk said it pretty well

[mislabeled]

You could thank him for his family's sacrifice. It's a little generic but it gives you a way to show your appreciation without making him feel like he has to pour his guts out to a stranger at a gas station.

[STED9R]

Thank him for HIS sacrifice.
It was his child or spouse that died, he also sacrificed.

[NWGunner]

They've added siblings, too

[RocketScott]

I’d try to find a way to do something nice without pointing out their loss right away.

Wash the windshield or check the air in their tires. In this day and age I don’t blame people for being leery of a stranger offering something so how you approach makes a difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BadKarma]

Ask them their name. Tell them you will always remember their name and the sacrifices their family has made for our country. Maybe ask if they have a favorite charity to make a donation to. That is worth probably more than anything in the world to them. That someone cared enough to engage a total stranger. Keep it simple and don’t linger.

[STED9R]

Ask them their name. Tell them you will always remember their name and the sacrifices their family has made for our country. Maybe ask if they have a favorite charity to make a donation to. That is worth probably more than anything in the world to them. That someone cared enough to engage a total stranger. Keep it simple and don’t linger.

This^
Saying ANYTHING at all is an acknowledgement of not only their loved one, but themselves too.
I say thanks anytime I see one. A couple times it has brought tears of happiness and thanks for saying something.
Say something, they are generally very approachable and more than willing to talk about their son/daughter/etc etc and how much they miss them.

[AR15L]

I thank everyone here for your advice.
After the fact is far easier to have time to think about, 'what if's'.
I'll be ready next time.

**********
edit

Has this ever happened to someone here?