Veteran’s Day 2022
Veterans Day, 2022 – Please Fly Your Flag
Veterans Day 2022 is almost here.
God bless all of our brave men and women in the military who served, and are serving, to protect our nation’s freedoms.
A thank you also to their families who carry on with responsibilities at home while a loved one is serving in sometimes dangerous locations abroad.
I don’t know about you, but when I watch soldiers’ homecoming videos on YouTube, I instantly burst into tears.
My tears are filled with gratitude for their sacrifice, and also from the wonderful memories that come flooding back of my father who served in the United States Navy.
Veterans Day 2022 – Words of Thanks Don’t Seem Enough
Not that long ago, I had it on my heart to write a poem about a soldier’s homecoming.
Lee Brice’s song, “I Drive Your Truck” sparked my imagination for this.
However, in my poem, I didn’t want the soldier to die.
I wanted him to come home where he could be surrounded by love and support from his best friend since childhood.
Here is my humble attempt to pay tribute.
A Soldier’s Homecoming
Playin baseball, me and you.
Tight as two best friends could be
Life back then was innocent and carefree.
Secret handshakes and catchin’ fish
Riding bikes and throwin’ a pitch
Childhood fun I’ll never forget
Those are the memories I’ll never regret.
Fell in love with a gal who’s now my wife,
We have a boy, it’s been a great life.
My son – he’s named after you.
He and I – we toss a few.
Just like we did – me and you.
You left for ‘Nam to fight the war,
Drivin’ tanks in ’64.
Every letter that you’d send
Reminded me how much I missed my friend.
You came home a broken man,
paralyzed legs, a weakened hand.
Lost your spirit in the war,
PTSD and at death’s door.
You’re not the same guy I used to know
It breaks my heart, but even so,
Near your hospital bed I’ll stand.
Mannnn . . . this isn’t what we’d planned.
But I’ll place a ball silently in your other hand.
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