Many times in our busy lives, it’s easy to set aside all that has made what we enjoy today possible. The everyday Americans that offered a full measure of themselves to ensure the American Way of Life that is enjoyed by all. For over two hundred years they have quietly defended the American Spirit to ensure our freedoms. They have fought not only to ensure our freedom, but that of people around the world. They lived there lives to the fullest, made the ultimate commitment and sacrifice knowing that as individuals, little honor and remembrance would be bestowed upon them. Yet each and every one that served is a hero for ensuring even the simplest of liberties that we enjoy today. Many lead a quiet unassuming life after serving. Many pass into the forgotten memory of their service except by close family and friends. Society reveres movie stars, music artists, big businessmen, and many others that merely enjoy the benefits of our liberty and freedoms. Some, like politicians, exploit those liberties and freedoms, that were fought for by everyday Americans as soldiers, and disregard and dishonor their sacrifice and memories by the way they perform their elected duties. Many veterans leave this life with little fanfare as to their service, perhaps only a small epitaph in a local paper as to their passing. So, when you met a veteran in your life’s travels… take a moment from your busy thoughts about your busy life… and Thank them for their service… and the liberty’s that you enjoy everyday. I recently found this article shared on facebook. Perhaps you to will take a moment to read it, and realize that you too can do a better job of thanking those that made it all possible. In the past, the present, and in the future!
Here’s the article: ( author unknown )
I'm not sure who wrote this but I like it. He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Joe has passed away, And the world's a little poorer For a Veteran died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young, But the passing of a Veteran Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Veteran, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small. It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a Veteran His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Veteran, Who would fight until the end. He was just a common Veteran, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his likes again. For when countries are in conflict, We find the Veteran's part, Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A VETERAN DIED TODAY."
