The Tattered Uniform

The event was an annual affair, and all the town would be there determined that no one shall dissuade, The old soldier went to the fourth of July parade He dressed in his old military uniform frayed, tattered and worn on his chest he wore the Bronze and Silver Stars awarded for heroism in the Vietnam and Korean Wars The cheering crowd lined the sidewalk the throng stretching from block to block He walked with dignity and grace Pride and Honor etched on his wrinkled face There among the cheering crowd Cheering sounds deep and loud There before him passed floats and bands Beautiful young girls waving their hands In the distant heard the American anthem began to play and the old soldier proudly raised his hand as best as he could with honor erectly stood There among the crowd a portrait of all that's good Then Old Glory came passing by Tears slowly appeared in his eye in remembrance of his dying friends; brothers' in arms until eternity ends Not for adulation or applause Freedom, Freedom! A worthy cause Freedom for our democracy And to ensure a free Society.