The American Veteran

When America was struggling
to hold on to its fledgling life,
I was there
.

My feet were frostbitten at Valley Forge.

Many of my comrades left in despair,

but I crossed the Delaware with Washington,
and won the battle.

I was there
when Andy Jackson met the Redcoats
at New Orleans
and I was there
when Teddy Roosevelt said,
"Follow me, boys!"

as we charged up San Juan Hill.

I went "over there"
to the muddy bloody trenches of France
and whipped the Kaiser's best.

I was there
when the mighty Arizona
went down in Pearl Harbor
and part of me is there
even now.

I have been to places you wouldn't believe!

Places with names that sounded strange to you
when you first heard them,

and then they became familiar.

Such places,
as a hell hole
called Guadalcanal,

the bloody beaches
of Iwo Jima,

Omaha Beach,
Wake Island

and a place called Bataan

where I was involved in something

that became known as the

"Bataan Death March."

I have heard the expression

"Yours is not to wonder why,

yours is but to do or die."

I often did both.

I was a tail gunner on a B-17

over Hitler's Germany.

I saw many of my buddies
go down in flames

over the North Atlantic.

I was there
at the "Frozen Chosen"
in Korea
a place that became known as
"Heartbreak Ridge."

I was there
at the siege of Khe Sahn
and I became a part of the menu
on "Hamburger Hill."

I have looked back over my shoulder
from lonely bus stations,

train depots,

airports

and seaports at
weeping wives,

parents,

brothers,

sisters,

and yes-

sweethearts

who were trying to say

good-bye to me
gracefully

and failing miserably;

many for the last time.

I have returned home to everything
from great celebrations and accolades
to anonymity and derision.
I have been called everything
from a 'Hero" to a "baby killer." -

and I'll do it again

if it becomes necessary.

Why?

Because
when the framers of the Constitution
secured for me the blessings of

"life,
liberty
and the pursuit of Happiness,"

it was not
without sacrifice;

and keeping these blessings
is worth
what ever price I must pay.

Yes -
there is something worth dying for,
and I thank God
that I possess
something that precious.

I want that for you,

my fellow countrymen.

I want it for my children

and my children's children.

I ask no reward or praise.

I ask only that you remember

that I was there
when you needed me,

and that you'll be there for me

now that I need you.