American Veteran

I stood my watch into the night Even though it was cold Even though it was hot In countries I could hardly spell I trained every day to be ready to serve On land, on sea, and in the air I placed my trust in the person next to me For he is I and I am him God, Service, Country Is one of the reasons I served Mostly for the person also serving his country For that person I trust my life I did not serve for monetary gain Or for glory I served so that our country can remain free For I am an American Veteran I answered my country call To the chime of “Give me liberty or give me death” I battled my brother on American soil in a great civil war For I am an American Veteran Shouting “Remember the Maine” as I charged up San Juan Hill Singing “Over there, Over There…” as I left for trenches of Europe I fought in the sweltering heat of the Pacific and the beaches of Normandy For I am an American Veteran I fought with courage in the oriental land of Korea Vietnam I fought for my brother for I knew not why I was there Gulf War and Afghanistan I was called a hero For I am an American Veteran There were other conflicts War of 1812, Mexican War, Granada, so many it’s hard to remember For every time my country called I served with pride For I am an American Veteran I do not want to be called a hero For real heroes are those who gave their life When you see me, just say thanks For I am an American Veteran