The Dolphins will hold a Veterans Day tribute Sunday. For Pat White, it won’t be the first time he has respected soldiers this season.

It had nothing to do with his beloved team, either. Only his beloved country.

“As the National Anthem came to a close, I told my son to watch to see which of the Patriot players approached the veterans being honored to thank them for their service,” Diehl wrote in an e-mail.

To Diehl’s disappointment, the Veterans Day ceremony ended without any of his home-team players making a move toward the group. One person still came through, setting an example for Diehl’s 13-year-old son he won’t soon forget.

That person was Dolphins rookie quarterback Pat White.

“As the veterans left the field, one Miami Dolphin, Pat White, jogged over to them and shook every one of their hands,” Diehl said. “It was the highlight of the game for me to see there is at least one player in the NFL that understands what these people have given up for us.”

Considering the impact White was able to have — and the sign of respect he was able to send by a few simple handshakes — this might be one instance where the rookie managed to lead by example for his older teammates.

Sunday, at least, will provide another chance.

“Whenever I have the opportunity to show respect, I show respect,” White said. “I don’t know. That’s just the way I was raised. You show respect where respect is earned.”