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"

I dedicate this to every Veteran, past, present and future.
"God Bless You"

To read other poems by Freda Babinski,
click on the graphic below to visit her website....