As Veteran’s Day passesI felt that this would be a reminder of the reason we exist as an organization. Sadly, many of the characteristics described are starting to ring true for many of us.

A Veteran Died Today

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,

    and he sat around the post telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he fought in and the deeds that he had done.

    In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes everyone.

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

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

But we'll hear his tales no longer, for Ol' Bob 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 life.

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

    and the world won't note his passing, though 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.

Is the greatest contribution, to the welfare of our land,

    someone who makes a promise and fools his fellow man?

Or an ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife,

    goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?

The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives

    are sometimes disproportionate, to the service that he gives.

While the ordinary veteran who offered up his all,

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

It's so easy to forget them, for it is so long ago,

    that our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys, went to battle, but 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,

    then we find our military's part is to clean up all the troubles that other people start.

If we can not do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,

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

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

    Our country is in mourning, for a veteran died today.

FYI

Dino Genco

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