I AM A VETERAN
I shivered that cold winter at Valley Forge
and rejoiced at the glorious surrender at Yorktown.
I wept as the flames engulfed Washington
And I said, "Never again."
I wore blue and I bled red.
I wore gray and I bled red.
The blood I spilled was to reunite a nation
of the people, by the people and for the people.
I am a veteran!
I was at Little Big Horn and I prayed.
I was at Wounded Knee and I prayed.
I prayed that one day the old Americans
And the new Americans would be one people.
I was there to charge up the hill at San Juan,
knowing that my country was emerging beyond its borders.
I was prepared to make the world safe for democracy.
Young and idealistic,
I came to France
To turn back the enemy in this war,
the war to end all wars.
I am a veteran!
It was with disbelief that I became
a part of the day that will live in infamy.
Once more I said good-bye to those I loved,
to protect my country.
Across the vast desert I met the enemy.
I met him on island after island.
I kept my promise to return.
I met him of the beaches of Normandy.
I repelled him from the gates of Bataan.
I freed thousands from the shadow of death.
I am a veteran!
A small nation cried out for help
And I came because others had been there for me.
A nation was saved.
I felt the agony of defeat in the jungles of a distant land.
But I held my head high and when another people cried out.
I once again put on my uniform to save them from tyranny.
Today I remain ready to pledge my life,
My property, my sacred home
Until there is peace and freedom on earth
for everyone, everywhere.
I am a veteran!