THE VETERAN

The Veteran

Today I was reminded of what time could not erase.
As I walked through the halls, I felt a sadness in this place.
A building filled with history, our books will never see.
Their stories are the pages locked inside their memory.
It's one of many you will find that's scattered everywhere.
These people come here hoping to receive the proper care.
I saw a few in wheelchairs and so many used a cane.
Some walked just fine but in their eyes was where I saw the pain.
These Heroes have been marked for life all here surrounding me.
They've shed their blood while other's died to keep this country free.
I still remember stories of a war my dad went through.
Each one was told with Army Pride he called it "World War II"
And later "The Korean War" forced troops to say good-bye
Because Korea's North and South could not see eye to eye.
Then "Viet Nam" decided to raise up it's ugly head.
Like all the wars, the damage left so many people dead.
When troops came home they had to face another kind of war.
A "War of Words" that added wounds as if they needed more.
The latest war was televised for all the world to see
Called "Operation Desert Storm" performed so perfectly.
This war had ended quickly but our troops cannot forget.
They're constantly reminded that the "Storm's" not over yet.
These wars do not discriminate religion, sex or race.
The bombs, grenades and poison gas take lives we can't replace.
And weapons don't have boundaries they claim what's in their way.
What will it take to stop these wars right here, right now, today?
Our troops are thought so highly of when they are called to war
But when it's over they are not remembered anymore.
And what about the one's still lost are they forgotten too?
Is anyone still searching for the one's who fought for you?
These men and women suffer more than you will ever know.
When war is over they still fight a war that doesn't show.
Each one deserves the very best for what they have been through.
Your proof is V. A. Hospitals I'm sure there's one near you.
We all want Peace and Harmony but something's always wrong.
These buildings might become extinct if we could get along.
My husband fought the last two wars which stole the heart he had.
He wears that look of war abuse just like my precious dad.
I don't have all the answers but I know one thing for sure.
The anger has to leave before a healing can occur.
America is free because of Veterans today
And more of them still yet to come will also have to pay.
So when you exercise your rights remember Why you can.
You see, I can't forget because I am "The Veteran"

Dedicated to every Veteran, past present and future.
"God Bless You"
We will never forget...