I Am A Vet

We were young and brave, and sometimes foolish
Our leaders, somewhat older and wiser
Showed us how to become our best
Young boys and girls, became women and men

We placed our lives on hold
Put our life on the line,
To protect and serve the nation we love
Often far away from family and friends


We stood our watch where ever it might be
Waiting and hoping we were not called for real
Through heat, dust, cold, snow and ice
Brothers and sisters, I have your back

Friendships were made, and bonds quickly formed
To last a forever, time and distance matter not
When we meet again it is like we never parted

Ready at all times to face the enemy
On land, in the air, on the sea or below
We performed our tasks, never quite sure
Was this really it, or just another drill

Those who paid the ultimate price
They gave their all, the last sacrifice
Our tears were shed as we silently stood
To honor and remember them forever

Some will look down on a veteran
Disregarding and disrespecting
Showing not honor, but venom and hate
Forgetting that we gave them the freedom

Our days are numbered, and quickly passing
The old guard passes the torch to the new
We watch with pride as they take their turn
Will our country ever learn

War is evil, war is hell and yet
Would we do it all over if we had the chance
Yes, we are proud, we stood the test
And now I can say I am a Vet


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996