What is a Veteran: A Veteran is often forgotten Looked down on by some Cast aside and called crazy 'Til a war needs to be won But all the world wants to see Is a man with a cup Begging for quarters on a corner Down on his luck. No one sees past The faded fatigues Or that the crazy old Vet Has holes in his knees, And why does he beg And why the blank stare Well Mister you don't know Cause you've never been there. This same man you look down on In utter disgust Was once given his countries Ultimate trust, Of defending your freedom And putting his life on the line Ain't it funny sir, How he's stuck back in time? Those ribbons he wears On that ragged old vest Are badges of honor Yet you stand there and jest, He has lost dignity and honor And grown old to soon, But when the bullets started flying Sir, where were you? War is hell sir but give this some thought, Where would you be If soldiers like him never fought? So the next time you see That crazy Vet on the street, Why not just shake his hand, not your head... And thank him! For keeping America Free. Copyright Richard D. Preston 1999
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