Randy E. Richmond

VETERANS DAY, 2011

Life and youth, some sadly spent
In payment of our freedom’s rent
To these and all who gladly went
To do or die where they were sent

When asked to put their lives on hold
To raise a gun if they were told
Who lifted shaking hands to fold
To ask of God, Let me grow old?

To all who’ve donned the uniform
Caked with sweat or battle worn
To you whose spirits yet are torn
By dreams that are each night reborn

Sharp salutes to all of these
Below the sod, above the trees
Who fight today, who sail the seas
Whose flag still flies in gentle breeze

For all of us… who one and all
While sitting frail or standing tall
Who yet today would risk the fall
To answer up our nation’s call

So happy Vets Day once again
To we young and old ladies and men
To battles fought, to places been
Remembered well as we were then…