On September 11th we take time to remember and reflect. As declared by President Obama exactly one year ago, the day will forever stand as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. In honor of this remembrance and gratitude for those who we’ve lost in tragedy and service, we’d like to acknowledge the kind souls of a Tacoma, Washington bar whose small act of kindness has touched so many.
Back in July, a military woman sat down at Tacoma’s local Buffalo Wild Wings. After ordering a Blue Moon and a Corona, the bartender, Brian Avery, explained that he cannot serve her two drinks at one time. At that moment, the woman explained that the Blue Moon was for her, but the Corona was for her brother– a fallen soldier who served in Iraq. Without another question Avery brought back the two beers and later, when handing back her bill, informed the woman that Buffalo Wild Wings covered the Corona’s cost.
This small interaction compelled the military woman to write some short words thanking Avery, adding, “an act of kindness goes a long way” and signed, “-Grateful soldiers.” Avery explained later on his Facebook page that he “didn’t have the heart to throw it away,” so he placed the beer and the receipt on the cooler beside the American Flag. In explaining to his boss the reason for the unclaimed open beer, Avery was graciously surprised when his boss simply stated, ” That’s fine, just do me a favor, put a fresh lime in it every morning.” That Corona will remain untouched as a beer for the fallen soldiers and will serve as a constant remembrance.
So it’s true, an act of kindness goes a long way.