Have you hugged your veterans today? Trust me, we appreciate it!

To Be A Veteran Is...
by Michael Doyle

I 
    And so many of my sisters 
           and brothers 
We
    Signed our names to the blank check
           that we would serve for the others

Who make up the citizenry of our nation
In our ceaseless dedication
Living up to the best of our aspirations
That made up the causes of our inspiration

Countless miles
      Marching to destinations we didn't know
Following the orders
       Of those above, to obediently go
Forward to serve and put our lives on the line
       Inching our way through landmines
            and toward necessary victories

Needed in the name of
        Freedom and liberty
           Whatever was called for from me
I would obediently give
        That others might live
            The better life promised by this nation

Whatever the conditions
        Rain or cold
           We served this nation's ideals
Doing what we were told
        That the world might be a better place
            Unflinching regardless of what we came to face

Always
     Living for that better tomorrow
         That would replace dreams for sorrow
All our given days
     Dedicated to the American Dreams
          We were sold on behalf of our fellow human beings

Though it was that we did not always fully agree
Our full hearts served and perished if it was to be
Giving our all on behalf freedom's ideals obediently
Each of us willing to give our everything unselfishly

(c) November 11, 2023    Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved