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.
Copyright © Johnny Martinez | Year Posted 2018
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment