The Old Veteran
I met an old veteran the other day.
How old he was I really couldn't say,
But I could tell by his shuffling gait,
That, alas, he was nearing Saint Peter's gate.
In the park with him I wanted to walk.
"No, son," he said, "lets just sit and talk,
And if you are interested I'll tell you,
About my service in World War Two."
"You see, I was a mere private in the infantry,
And was with my buddies storming Normandy.
Then, I wasn't concerned about saving liberty;
The guy next to me was my only priority!"
"I guess a lot of people call us heroes.
We didn't think of that plodding thro' the sloughs.
We just wanted to get the job done,
And ensure that final victory was won!"
After a long pause he said, "Well, I'd better go."
He shuffled off as I mused, he's a super-hero!
My eyes misted over just a wee bit.
It wasn't from the dust, I'll readily admit.
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
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