The Old Veteran
by Don Tyson

 

He was confident and poised
as he stood at the podium.
He spoke of his youth and
honored the aunt that raised him
after the death of his parents.
He called her his Mom.
He told of his service in three wars;
remembering comrades now gone,
lost in the "War to end all wars."
He praised their sacrifices, their bravery,
saying of himself only that he did
what had to be done.
When he spoke of Korea, his eyes were pained
as he told of being captured and
the three years he spent as a POW.
He honored those who didn't come home.
Then came the jungle war in 'Nam,
and the pride he had for our guys
who did their job day after day.
Again he honored those he served with
and saying little of his own sacrifices.
Over and over he praised country, God, and flag,
reminding all who were present
of the great gifts we share.
This old veteran and those like him
are what made America all she is today.
Their sacrifices can never be repaid.
We can only honor them and their memory.
They are America, they are our heart, our soul.
Their spirit is what keeps us free.

 

Copyright ©2004 Don Tyson