Cool Reserved Parking Sign in Northwest Rochester

You see variety of reserved parking place signs throughout all the different shopping centers and store parking lots, but one I spotted Wednesday in northwest Rochester stood out.

It's a sign stating that this parking spot is reserved for Combat Wounded soldiers, and I noticed it in the parking lot of the Home Depot store in northwest Rochester earlier this week. The sign features the Purple Heart, and was apparently put up in conjunction with the Wounded Warriors Family Support organization.

I've seen a variety of different reserved parking spot signs around, with many put up to reserve a parking place for some worthy segments of our population. I've seen signs for  'expectant mother' parking or 'senior citizen' parking. Some are a little more dubious, though, like the 'lactose intolerant accountant parking only' sign I once spotted. (Okay, I made that one up... I think.)

But if there was ever a group that deserves its own parking space nearest the door, it's for those brave men and women who have been wounded putting themselves in harm's way to preserve our way of life, as this Combat Wounded sign indicates. My ability to even head to a home improvement store wouldn't be possible without their sacrifice.

In fact, they deserve far more than just a parking place near the door;  they deserve -- and have -- my utmost respect and unending gratefulness for all they've done. A parking space up front, near the door doesn't seem like nearly enough. But it is a decent gesture, and I'm grateful Home Depot for put such a sign up. It not only reserves a parking space, but it also serve as a good reminder to the rest of us.

And, to all who've worn (and continue to wear) the uniform (and especially those who've been wounded doing so), I know it's not nearly enough, but thank you for your service to our country. It does not go unappreciated or unnoticed!