As a veteran, I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country. I spent four years active duty in the Navy, as a Hospital Corpsman. I also spent six years in the Marine Reserves. As an American, I bristle everytime I see people at events, parades, or other functions who show disrespect to the U.S. Military personnel. I wrote the following poem to implore everyone to think about the sacrifice our veterans accept by serving to protect our freedom. I hereby give permission for The Veterans Site to use this poem in any way they see fit to bring the message to others.
Tribute to Veterans
Let flags wave in every breeze of thought.
Some gave all that was expected of them.
Many gave all they could.
Others gave everything.
A history of sacrifice whenever they were
needed, wherever called to serve.
Collectively Duty, God, and Country prevailed.
Veterans stand up for freedom and stand down
for peace. Horror of war and strife could not
bend the will of responsibility.
Veterans ask nothing for the chance to serve,
only your remembrance for those who gave the
ultimate sacrifice. Veterans would do it again
without fear or trepidation. Freedom is guaranteed
by our constitution, for everyone we know; and
those we don't. Serving isn't just our duty, but also
an obligation to our children, our family, our future,
and ourselves.
God Bless America
God Bless our Military
God Bless our Memory
So no one is ever forgotten, or without our thanks.
© 2011 All Rights Reserved. R. E. Smith
Redmond, WA