Veterans Day 2

VETERANS’ DAY 2 by JOHN M. ARRIBAS There’s no coin of the realm to pay for his time For the innocence stolen from him in his prime No one can know of the anima lost in the field Or the tormenting images that will never heal The loss of his comrades that were in his care The guilt of survival his haunting nightmare Slowed by the steel rods now serving as legs He wavers not from his duty and undying pledge To defend this land and to safe guard its’ soil Against all enemies and challenges to despoil The freedoms he defended shall not perish For future generations to nurture and cherish He stands defiant, erect, proud and unafraid Hand over his heart as the anthem is played This brave and solitary figure is never alone He speaks for the many that never came home Our unending gratitude is put on display When we honor our patriots on Veterans’ Day