I never imagined I’d spend my mornings walking slowly around the Washington Monument with a trash bag in one hand and a grabber in the other. But these days, it’s part of my daily routine. I show up early—before the crowds—wearing my old army hoodie, a knee brace, and a determination to leave the grounds cleaner than I found them. Bottles, cigarette butts, snack wrappers—it all goes in the bag. Compared to what I’ve seen during my time overseas, it’s manageable work. And in many ways, it feels like an extension of that service.

At first, I did it for personal reasons. Cleaning up this iconic place gave me a sense of purpose. It helped me feel useful again. But I started noticing how others reacted. Some people gave encouraging nods. Others whispered, curious about who I was and why I was doing this. One morning, I overheard someone speculate that I must be doing community service. I didn’t correct them. Instead, I kept going.
Then, something unexpected happened.
Tucked under one of the benches I usually clean was an envelope with “FOR YOU” written on the front. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was it a kind gesture? A random note? After a moment of hesitation, I opened it.
Inside was a handwritten message: “I see you every morning. Thank you for your service and for caring about this place. Don’t let the whispers get to you. You matter.”
That note stopped me in my tracks. It was simple, sincere, and it meant more than I can explain. For the first time in a while, I felt seen—not just for what I was doing, but for why I was doing it.
The next day, I wore my old dog tags for the first time in years. I typically kept them tucked away, but something about that message encouraged me to wear them with pride. As I cleaned up, I noticed more people smiling or offering words of encouragement. It felt different, in a good way.
Later that week, a man wearing a park maintenance shirt approached me. His name was Martin, and he thanked me for helping out. He even invited me to join the park’s volunteer program and mentioned that they host monthly clean-up events with local groups. I gladly accepted.
The following days brought more meaningful interactions. People began greeting me by name. One woman brought me water and asked about my background. We talked, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like my story was being heard and understood—not out of pity, but out of respect.
Then came a second envelope. This one said, “I saw your dog tags today. My father served, too. Thank you for keeping our city clean and our memories alive.” Another anonymous message, but it reinforced something I was beginning to feel: that small actions can have a big impact.
At the next clean-up event, I worked alongside students and fellow volunteers. Martin introduced me as someone who had been quietly helping for weeks. It was humbling, and also uplifting. One student walked with me and asked questions about my time in the service. I told him about teamwork, perseverance, and how sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can carry someone through a tough day.
Later, a local news station reached out to do a segment on the clean-up. I was hesitant at first, but I agreed to share my experience, hoping it might encourage others. I talked about how even small contributions—like picking up litter—can be meaningful forms of service. After the interview aired, I received kind messages from friends and former colleagues, all expressing pride in what I was doing.
A few days later, I found another envelope. This time, it included a small keychain engraved with the words: “Your actions matter.” It now lives on my key ring as a daily reminder of the kindness that still exists in the world.
This journey has taught me that even when people don’t understand what you’re doing—or why—your efforts still matter. Whether it’s cleaning a public space, planting flowers, or simply offering a smile to a stranger, these actions make a difference.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked or misunderstood, know that what you do counts. You may not always receive thanks or recognition, but someone out there is paying attention—and sometimes, one kind note or thoughtful gesture is all it takes to renew your sense of purpose.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If it resonates with you, consider sharing it or passing it along to someone who might need a reminder that they, too, make a difference—just by showing up.