Steve wearing the 5th Infantry Division Vietnam Veteran's Hat
Photograph Copyright July 22, 2002 by Steve Brandenburg
(Used with permission)
CHERISHED HAT
Received a small box in the mail one day,
from a friend back Pennsylvania way.
No idea what it could be
as he said nothing to me.
Opened it up
what a surprise!
A hat
that I really don't deserve.
Sent him a letter of thanks
and it will be set in a special place.
For I have not earned these medals
or the right to wear the hat.
"Bull Shit" he says.
Makes no difference if you sit in a barracks awaiting orders
or hunkered in a bunker waiting for your next mission.
It is yours.
You are one of us;
wear it proud my brother!
And so I do
with eyes full of dew.