He returned to civilian life
as a decorated Army vet,
but the memories of those years gone by
he never will forget.
The names and faces of the comrades
that still linger in his mind
accompany thoughts of distant places
that he cannot leave behind.
I asked him when he was fighting,
if he ever questioned why?
and without the slightest hesitation,
he gave me this reply:
Not for gratitude or accolades
or to boast a battle scar....
it's what you do, it's why you're trained
it's why you breathe...it's who you are.
Though he bears visible scars,
never a tear has he cried,
0for the most painful wounds inflicted
he has buried deep inside.
unaffected by the war
and today his actions are a reflection
of events that happened years before.
Those official army documents,
medals and commendations
those that list the dates and details
of military operations
are not framed upon his office wall
in a boastful display,
but tucked inside a bottom drawer
and humbly filed away.
But the wording from those papers
that he finally chose to confide
filled me with admiration
and a renewed sense of pride
Valiant heroic endeavor
This officer, though wounded,
fought more vigorously than ever
To look at him, you’d never know
the things that he’s endured;
the life or death decisions made
and the men he reassured.
The life that he has lived
and the lessons he has learned
have built a strong foundation
for the respect that he has earned.
Though retired from duty, in his heart,
his country he still serves
and the respect that he commands today
is the respect that he deserves
And for the sacrifices made
that no one can dispute,
Colonel, consider these heartfelt words
a written hand salute!
~Unknown
YOU ARE READING
Military Poems
PoésiePoems to support those who fight for our freedom both here and over seas. I will try to add at least a couple of poems a week. Please comment, fan, and vote.