I have seen the MASH finale so many times. We’re big fans in our house.

Watching it today, on Veteran’s Day, brought a more focused perspective. Sure, it was moving to watch the poignant scenes as each of the characters figured out how to say goodbye to each other (even Trapper). That long embrace between Hawkeye and Major Houlihan is classic.

But the most poignant take away for me was a story Gary Burghoff told in connection with tonight’s broadcast. Burghoff played Radar O’Reilly. Many years ago, Burghoff explained, he was performing in a local production in Wisconsin. He was out for dinner at a local restaurant. While on his way in from the parking lot, Burghoff met a man who asked if they could speak.

This stranger explained that he was a veteran of the Korean War and had fought in the trenches. When he came home, he was unable to speak about the atrocities he experienced. His wife asked and wanted to help but he just couldn’t share. He went on.

When MASH came on the air years later, he watched with his wife and immediately felt a personal connection to what was being portrayed on the small screen. A few episodes in, as they were sitting together on the couch, he reached over, took her hand and said “That’s it. That’s what it was like.”

The show had been this veteran’s vehicle to break his silence. Pretty moving on Veterans Day.

With gratitude to all who have served our country – we thank you for your service.