Walking through Congress Park this beautiful Friday morning, I saw a young man and woman, both in full military fatigues, engaged in animated, merry chatter as they sat along the little round fish pond not far from the war memorial.

As I approached them, I wanted to say, "Thank you for serving our country."

But I was also thinking, "Stay out of harm's way. Return home to your loved ones safe, well, in one piece."

And with those thoughts, I couldn't get past the lump in my throat to offer even a friendly acknowledgement. They weren't looking my way, anyway. So I walked on by.

But the image of them stays with me. I do thank them for serving our country, and pray for their safety, and wish I hadn't missed the moment to speak the words aloud.