Friday, November 11, 2011

With Praise for Aging Veterans


A veteran's not a rookie.
A vet has paid his dues.
A veteran knows the hell of war
just nuanced in the news. 

A veteran loves his country.
With pride he greets its flag.
He stands up straight (still soldier-like)
although his shoulders sag.

A veteran knows life's precious.
Old memories make him cry.
He wonders why God let him live
when he watched others die. 

A veteran models friendship.
His buddies know he cares.
Although they live twelve states away,
he'll find a way to share. 

In Saving Private Ryan,
civilians got to see
the bond this band of brothers feel
when one's in jeopardy. 

I've seen what I'm describing.
You see, my dad's a vet.
His brave example makes me proud
of who he is. And yet

my dad's just one of millions
who fought so we'd be free.
Without regard for life or limb
they served us selflessly.
 
So how can we repay them?
It seems there's just no way,
except perhaps to honor them
with thanks on Veterans' Day.

By Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos

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