When U.S. Army veteran William Jazwinski keeps a folded flag in his truck to remind him of his 15-month tour of Iraq. He never suspected it would give an officer cause to pull him over.
Nevertheless, William saw flashing lights in his rearview mirror one day. He would later recall his unusual interaction with the officer on Facebook:
Me – Good morning officer. Was I speeding?
Officer – Good morning, no not speeding. Just wanted to stop ya and say thank you for your service.
Me – Oooh the bumper sticker, nice. You’re welcome sir. My pleasure.
Officer – Where did you serve?
Me – I went to Iraq. Did a 15 monther. Out of Ft Benning.
Officer – Well alright. My son went to Iraq. He didn’t make it home.
Me – Man, I’m so sorry to hear that. I just finished a PTSD program.
Officer – I see you have a flag in the truck. The one we got for him! Well it’s at the house.
Can I ask a question?
Me – sure.
Officer – Do you mind stepping out and receiving a hug. You remind me of my son. I pulled you over. I thought you were him. I still don’t believe it most days he’s gone.”
“With tears in both our eyes I got out and hugged that man,” the veteran recalled. “I’m talking about for a minute or two crying. Down to our knees crying. I needed that. To all the family and friends of soldiers, fighting or done fighting, God bless you. Your peace and your hearts. It’s so hard without them, I know. This road is a tremendous one. Love to all.”
Readers were deeply touched by the story and shared an outpouring of emotional comments on William’s Facebook page. “What a beautiful story,” one user expressed. “God bless all our service men and women for their sacrifice to protect this country.”
Another commenter echoed this sentiment, saying, “I am so grateful for your support and service, as well as the officer’s son. If it weren’t for the sacrifices you and others make, we wouldn’t have our freedom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
A third person praised the officer’s powerful gesture: “God bless the officer who stopped the car to thank the veteran! That moment created a life-changing event, and its impact will be felt forever.”
