Scars and Stripes

They got them in service to their country mementoes of it’s wars, some for valor above and beyond others for sweeping floors. They all turned out in uniform fulfilling the oath they took, to protect and defend this country we were proud of how they looked. No matter draftee or volunteer most were loyal and true, earning the chevrons on their sleeves protecting me and you. All gave of themselves in some measure a few were called to glory, just a handful were broken in shame but they too are part of the story. Not all scars are where we can see there are some that lurk inside, coloring lives for years to come with secrets they attempt to hide. Some wounds of war will never heal always having you by the throat, affecting everything you do how you think and feel and vote. No, maimed and bleeding is not the worst that can happen to people in war, there are things more terrible that haunt them forever more. So stand up straight to wave and salute when you see an American Vet, their lives were on the line for yours and mine these heroes deserve our respect.