The following is a poem I wrote to share with our church for Veteran’s Day last fall:
“Veteran’s Day Thoughts”
By James K. Whitman
Specialist 4; United States Army 1974-1977
Written November 9, 2017
Veterans are a Brotherhood of those who served in arms,
To stand up and defend our land, to keep us free from harms.
Each Veteran can lift his head with heartfelt gratitude
For the opportunity he had to defend our solitude.
Many Veterans who served our land, were never sent into the fray,
Because other Vets, while standing tall, held our enemies at bay.
Even though they may not have fought, to keep our nation free,
Their presence in the Service was a deterrent the enemies could see.
Some Veterans have journeyed through the darkest of harm’s way,
While other Vets supporting them, in Garrison did stay.
Yet all the Men and Women, our Veterans, who stand with us today,
Have in their hearts a special place for comrades killed one day.
So as we honor Veterans, who live among us now,
We always must remind ourselves that they were spared somehow.
God has kept them here, to help us know, that freedom’s cost is dear.
All Veterans alive have paid a price; so we honor them each year.
Love this, Pastor Whitman!
Good poem! Thanks for the reminder that all veterans ARE Veterans!
Somewhat akin to our relationship in Christ – the one who can do ‘naught but pray’ has the same standing in the Lord’s Army as the one in the midst of the fray …