My Grandfather was a WWI Veteran. At the age of 103 he was given France’s highest national award, the Legion of Honor; by M. Jean-Paul Monchau, consul general for the republic of France on behalf of President Chirac. This was bestowed by France in honor of all the American Soldiers who fought alongside the French soldiers during World War I. My grandfather fought in the battles of Chateau-Thierry, Soissons, the Argonne Forrest and Belleau Wood. He was also with the soldiers who smashed the Hindenburg Line.
My Grandfather taught me a lot about honor and respect, love for this country, and about God. He was a very special man.
ALL OUR VETERANS DESERVE RESPECT AND HONOR
I have been privileged to meet many Veterans. They are each very special in their own way. We do not know all of what they faced; but, we can see the depth of courage they present and sometimes a shadow of sorrow hidden beneath their eyes. they willingly sacrificed more than we will ever know to face evil head-on; that we might remain free. Because of that, I wrote this poem in tribute of our heroes–all Veterans-past, present, and those who are to choose to serve.
A Veterans Day Tribute to Our Military Heroes
(To All Who Have Served and are Serving)
A Hero sat beside the grave
His friend was buried there
He wondered if he’d be as brave
When bullets filled the air
A Hero stood beside the bed
A Comrade lying there
“She’ll never walk”, that’s what they said
It all seemed so unfair
A Hero walked-some foreign street
The people turned and stared
Some would run to hide-retreat
While others simply glared
Did others know the choice they’d
To Protect, to serve, to save
Whate’er the cost, their post they stayed
For love, their all they gave
A Hero walked into the room
The doctor standing there
The saddened face, the sense of gloom
An illness, very rare
A Hero stood with stoic grace
Though sadness filled his eyes
The gentle smile upon his face
His broken heart’s disguise
These veteran Heroes stood the test
With all that they did do
We must now give to them our best
Our service, our “Thank you”
We cannot see the battle scars
The evil they did face
The pain within their own memoirs
We cannot ere erase
They chose to go for you and me
Because of love you see
They paid the price that we might be
A land when men are free
So, let us sing our anthems loud
Salute the flag with pride
Their sacrifice made us endowed
With hope we’re unified
These veteran Heroes stood the test
With all that they did do
We must now give to them our best
Our service, our “Thank you”
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Take a moment today to thank a veteran.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.