So the Mr. and I decided to take an evening ride down the shoreline on Saturday night, because it was such a glorious (summer!) evening. We went semi topless, as that’s a heck of a lot easier than taking the entire top off the Jeep. The evening was enjoyable, relaxing, a welcome reprieve… until…
Here’s where it got ugly.
I take pride in being one of those Jeep Wrangler owners who participate in the long standing tradition of the Jeep Wave. If you’re interested, here’s some insight from a serviceman on it’s origin… If not.. scroll down to the post, continued…
New Jeep owners soon discover a tradition that has been around perhaps as long as Jeeps, the Jeep wave. Some may think its strange or even silly, but before you judge perhaps take a moment and consider this.
During WWII the Jeep was always on the move, often running back and forth from the front lines delivering vital supplies or urgent messages, or carry wounded soldiers, attempt rescues or bring reinforcements. Some say this is where the Jeep wave began as a way to know friend from foe or acknowledge an officer without a salute that might alert enemies of a high ranking official. Or perhaps it was just a simple gesture from soldier in one Jeep to another Jeep as they passed. A sign of camaraderie and respect between courageous souls in dark and dangerous times.
Others say the Jeep wave began after the war when the soldiers returned home. During the war the Jeep had earned a place in the hearts of many soldiers and as a result, many of those who made it home, wanted to own their own Jeep. Often the drivers of Jeeps passing on roadways would wave at each other, as they knew most likely each other had served.
Finally some claim the wave began only when civilians started buying Jeeps and taking them off road. They shared fun and excitement of tackling seemingly impossible trails and obstacles in the nimble Jeep, naturally builds a kinship with other Jeepers. The wave acknowledges that shared understanding and appreciation of the Jeeps amazing capabilities and the enjoyment ownership can bring. So next time you see a Jeep, give a wave and if you don’t get one in return, don’t be offended. Just consider it a wave for the ‘One and Only Jeep’ and what it represents, our freedom and he brave souls who fought for it!
Being a Military Service Member myself, I think the wave started in WWII where many brave souls gave us our freedom we cherish to this day. For without what so many did for this country, we as fellow Jeepers would not be able to enjoy the freedoms of off road parks, trails, and just the simple freedom of driving down the road in the summer, top down and cruising.
So, particularly on Memorial Day Weekend, you see why the wave is increasingly important to uphold, right? Apparently.. the Mr… doesn’t wave. He’s one of those who thinks it’s silly, and if YOU are one of those, just hush.
My mistake was I let him drive. Every Wrangler we passed – and admittedly there are many – I could tell those who were going to wave as they approached. I can spot the snobs a mile away now, no kidding. I said, please wave.. don’t be a snob. He.. Did.. Not. I began waving FOR him as we rode down the waterline, the shoreline neighborhoods, The Boston Post Road. There are several waves, to be clear. Some hold up their hand, some stick them out the side window, a side wave. Some give the peace sign (me) and some lift there hand and wave the full out wave, side to side. He started holding my hands down, giggling!!… The nerve.
SO… He is no longer allowed to drive my Jeep, which while in my possession will represent the upholding of the time-honored tradition of the Jeep wave.
To all the service men, women and service animals who have given of themselves over the many years of our country’s history, Thank you for your bravery and courage. Thank you for the freedoms we have, Thank you for your service.
