Meet Clarence

All too often as I walk around downtown areas, photographing the sights, I meet a homeless person. This past weekend was no different, what caught me off guard this morning was the politeness of this gentleman.

Once I began talking with him, his story intrigued me. It wasn't any surprise, as I meet more homeless people, to find out he is a veteran. What did really surprise me though, was the gentleness in him and his love for this country that seemly has turned their back on someone that fought for the freedoms most Americans take for granted.

As you can see in his photo, he wears the colors proudly, still carries his military ID and instead of stopping people on the street to ask for money,  steps out of their way to allow them to pass.

I ended up talking with Clarence for a while before I needed to head on my way. Before leaving though, I asked his permission to take this photo, after which I gave him what little money I had on me that day. I rarely if ever carry cash with me, why I had any this day is as much a mystery as why I spent the time I did talking with him. What I can tell you, Clarence and his stories touched me that morning and still do as I think back on that morning.