HONOR THY VETERAN PROTECTOR
A few days before Memorial Day each year,
thoughts zip around in my head like
bullets ricocheting in a tank, and
deep anger muddles my mind
hearing of plans for parades, ceremonies,
speeches, and dedications honoring those who
helped prevent another madman from
becoming your dictator and plunderer.
Why can't we devise rewards honoring men who
never knew a peaceful life, never knew normality?
So, on this year's flag-waving salute, and
on other holidays set aside to pay tribute to
the guys killed fighting their country's enemy,
as well as the sick and maimed veterans still in
hospitals and nursing homes,
why don't we provide them with what
they need for every day in the year?
And, why do we shamefully hide victims of wars
as if their actions were illegal and unforgivable?
Veterans will never be a part of celebration until
they are honored through decent and wholesome
treatment and services, because they learned
hypocrisy upon discharge, and are alienated from
those whose guilt and selfishness will never
reach down to help combat veterans with
enough money, facilities, and medical services
to operate for war veterans needing care
based on how much they traded away
for injuries, mental trouble, and lost time for
the careers that never opened for them?