A VETERAN DIED TODAY

(Author Unknown)

He was getting old and paunchy - his hair was failing fast;

      as he sat around the VFW - telling stories of the past,

      of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies - they were heroes, every one.

And although sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,

      all his buddies listened - for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we shall hear his tales no longer, for ol’ Herb has passed away,

      and the world’s a little poorer, for a Veteran Died today.

No, he won’t be mourned by many, just his children, and his wife;

      for he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of lift.

He held a job and raised a fami1y, going quietly on his way,

      and the world won’t note his passing - but a Veteran Died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,

      while thousands note their passing and proclaim that “they were great”.

Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young,

      but the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed and unsung.

The rich and famous stipend and the style in which they live,

      are often disproportionate, to the service that they give;

While the ordinary Veteran, who offered up his all,

      is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension - small.

Its so easy to forget them,

      for it was so long ago,

that our Herb’s, and Jakes and Johnny’s went to battle,

      but, we remember and WE know.

He was just a “common Veteran” and his ranks are growing thin,

      but his presence should remind us, we may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict, we find the Military’s part

      is to clean up all the trouble that other people start.

If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to accept the praise,

      then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps a simple headline in the evening paper that might say: 

OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A VETERAN DIED TODAY!