Veterans Day Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Anyone who has served time to do,
In the military will always remember...
The unique experience of it.
One completely misunderstood,
By 'civilians' raising flags to wave...
As surviving veterans march,
Representing wars to parade...
On Verterans Day.

Whether drafted or enlisted to volunteer,
These men and women are much different...
Than those who win tournaments,
Listening to the shouting of voices who cheer.
Once trained to be brave and not express fear,
Is a mind that has been conditioned...
To appear to be tolerant of any existing pain.
And mentally this training remains effective.
With it expected a neglecting,
Of their own personal concerns to be felt...
Not to show them outwardly expressed.

And many become the least to receive,
A respect to address when not dressed in uniform.
To leave many never to comprehend,
The sacrifices known only by them.
Since those who have shown them indifference,
Believe themselves entitled to receive...
A life protected without threats of blood to bleed.
Or witness a befriended soldier,
Lay lifeless on a foreign shore to see life from them leave.

Thousands of our veterans,
Can not escape so easily from their memories.
As those who quickly leave the streets,
To forget by the next Sunrise...
Who fought for their freedoms to do as patriots.
While freely moving on with their lives,
Accepting a selfishness to pride...
To believe it earned,
Yet without a moment of sacrifice done.
Or with a willingness to express appreciation.