You've heard me called somebody's friend;
Sometimes I'm called their Mother.
Or I could be somebody's Dad:
their Sister or their Brother.
I'm the One who's traveled lonely roads:
I've gone to foreign lands.
And as he paid the ultimate price;
I've held my brother's hand.
I've eaten my meals from old tin cans:
With fingers swollen and sore.
With no complaints because I knew:
This was the price of war.
I've slept outside in rain and snow;
And chilled clear to the bone;
I've laid awake at night and wished
That I could go back home.
My skin can come in many shades:
I'm from all walks of life.
I'm rich, I'm poor, I'm short, I'm tall;
Like the enemies I fight.
I've gone in peace with gun in hand:
confusing though it seems.
But I'd rather smile and give a hug;
Than hear those battle screams.
I am the one who went to war;
and made our country proud.
But war was not a pretty thing;
with bombs and missiles loud.
Who am I, you may ask some day;
Because you want to know.
I'll tell you now there was a time;
Some called me G. I. Joe.
I'm the one who wore the uniform
and fought to keep us free.
And all I'm asking in return;
Is that you remember me.
Author
Unknown
