Veterans Day
Do you recall in years gone by,
When we used to pause and pray.
For those Americans who gave their lives?
We called it Armistice Day.
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day,
Of the 11th month of the year,
Was set aside to honor those,
Who fought for liberty.
It was called the “War to End All Wars,”
And they died for you and me.
Now, we call it Veterans Day,
To honor all those who served.
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Surely, we can do no less,
For their deeds are well deserved.
But where now are the parades,
The marching bands and such?
If you care, then tell a friend,
And join in this Veterans Day.
Make the occasion special;
It shouldn’t be made a chore,
For those you have come to honor,
Once cherished peace and not war.
Some now lay in hallowed ground,
For they paid the ultimate price.
Why not then, take the time to visit?
Surely, you can make this sacri ce.
So, whenever you meet a veteran,
Especially on Veterans Day,
Just wave, acknowledge him, or even better yet,
Why not shake his hand and say,
“Thank you for all that you have done,
To keep this nation free.”
And to all who have served before us,
Who treasured liberty,
Once Armistice Day, now Veterans Day,
Just let us never, ever forget,
To pay our respects to all who served;
This nation will forever be in their debt!
– Boyce Clark
Leatherneck, November 1997