The AARP Bulletin's "What I Really Know" column comes from our readers. Each month we solicit short personal essays on a selected topic and post some of our favorites in print and online. Below, reader Michele Bartlett of Littleton, Co., shares what she really knows about honoring soldiers.

An aged veteran and his elderly bride were lunching in a Wendy's one day. He was wearing a cap with the insignia of his unit. I asked his wife whether he was a World War II veteran, and when she said yes, I said, "Would you please tell him thanks and give him this for me?" and gave her a hug.

At a concession stand, with my twentysomething kids alongside, I anonymously bought the Marine behind us his iced tea and granola bar—and I got a hug from my vehemently antiwar son!

I've hugged our Vietnam vet postman, a lovely female Israeli soldier in Tel Aviv, and Operation Iraqi Freedom soldiers in the airport. I plan to continue doing so, at least until someone says, "Ewwww! Quit that!"

I don't know if they feel honored, but I hope they feel appreciated!