November 11, 2016 03:41 AM UTC

Veterans Day

•  
• by: Powerful Pear

(Promoted by Colorado Pols)

Thank you to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. Less than 2% of Americans will serve in the military. That 2% has offered to sacrifice their lives to protect our nation its freedom and liberty. Many return from service with physical and mental injuries. Some that may not be apparent for many years. Twenty plus veterans end their lives each day.

As you go about your activities, if you see a bumper sticker, license plate, hat or some other recognition of a veteran think of this. This person may have experienced the pain of physical injury, the loneliness of being apart from loved ones, the horror of a silent battlefield, the imagines of a family being beheaded, killing a man in hand to hand combat, watching a friend die in your arms, the cold of Korea, heat of the desert, an oppressive jungle, the stench of combat. By all means thank that person, then marvel that there are men and women who will face these burdens for the love of country and their fellow man.

Anonymous no more.

IF YOU SEE ME WEEP

I’m called to attention as the warrior appears,
surrounded, by those so dear

I know him well, but not his name,
his sacrifice is his acclaim

A salute is rendered as he takes his place,
family weeps in the hallowed space

Tributes read, sacrifice confirmed,
honors called, he is affirmed

The crowd stands, his comrades are few,
a salute is offered by those who knew

Tears form, his sacrifice remembered,
commitment satisfied, honor extended

Rifles report, the salute is rendered,
Tap’s echoes to be remembered

My comrade is home, we have said good-bye,
now the tears slide from my eye

We march away our mission complete,
this day, we will repeat

If you see me weep, his life remembered,
always will it be, never surrendered

Roger D. Edwards
VFW Post 9644
All Veterans Honor Guard, Fort Logan Colorado
Memorial Day 2015

© Roger Edwards 2015