I Stood Among Heroes Today
I stood among my nation's heroes on this sacred Veterans Day,
To honor the living and those who sleep 'neath hallowed clay.
Their youth now long gone, they wear crowns of silvery hair.
Alas, many steadied themselves with cane, others in wheeled chair.
I stood beside a gallant survivor of the Pearl Harbor Affair.
As "Taps" sounded, his mist-filled eyes had a far away stare.
His trembling lips moved silently, no doubt in heartfelt prayer,
In remembrance of his valiant comrades, who yet lie sleeping there.
Surrounding me were many courageous former prisoners-of-war,
Who, despite grim adversity maintained their esprit de corps,
And with faith in God and America, they were at last set free,
To see Old Glory wave once again o'er the Land of Liberty!
I mingled with members of The Order Of the Purple Heart.
Heroic Battle of the Bulge veterans stood tall and smart!
The "Greatest Generation" with brave comrades stormed alien shores.
The "Latest Generation" served in Korea, Vietnam, Cold and Desert Wars!
Gnarled hands that once held the terrible weapons of war,
Now beckoned for peace that we shall know war no more.
The hardships they suffered for freedom's sake we'll never know.
So much, so very much to these brave men and women we owe!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
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