Man Who Wrongly Shamed Woman Veteran for Parking Space Apologizes

When a man left a hateful note on Rebecca Hayes’ car saying she didn’t have the right to park in a veterans’ only parking spot, she naturally took to Facebook to educate the world that women can be veterans too.

Hayes’ post received over 12,000 shares and hundreds of supportive comments. Now, however, the man who wrongly accused her of not being a veteran has apologized.

The original note said, “This parking is for veterans, lady. Learn to read & have some respect,” but on Monday, Hayes received another note, presumably from the man, apologizing for his behavior.

Hayes posted the note on Facebook.

It reads:

“I happened to come across your post on Facebook through a friend who shared your photo and status. I would like to apologize to you. I know it’s no excuse, but I’ve seen so many young people park in retired vets’ spaces, along with handicap lately, and I lost my cool. I’m sorry you were the one who got the result of that angry moment. I know it was a mistake and I’m glad I saw your post. I immediately felt horrible about a situation where I assumed I was standing up for someone. Clearly, this was not the case. You didn’t deserve that, and I hope you can accept this apology. I appreciate your service to this country and I highly respect military men and women. It was an error in judgement, and again, I’m sorry for that. Thank you for all that you’ve done. God bless.”

Today reports that that there was no return address and that the note was anonymously mailed to Hayes’ office, so there’s no real way to know if the note is actually from the real person, or if that person is indeed a man, for that matter.

Whatever the legitimacy of the note, it’s the thought that counts.

As of press time, the anonymous apology has been shared over 200 times, and Hayes told Today that she really appreciates it.

“It’s always nice when someone owns up to their mistakes,” she said. “I guess they understood the error of their ways.”