No more parades or cheering hoards
sans tickertape and confetti
wafting as snow on currents air
not since thier grandfathers were young.
Now they return without fanfare
protected from protected men
hiding away thier inner haunts
not enough care to help them heal.

So you sit in upholstered chairs
viewing large screens or playing games
dining well on favored cuisine
and sleep on beds like restful clouds.
You, who honor not thier resolve
feasting of cans or packets dry
while sleeping in dirt or rocks nigh
watching friends and innocence die.

A dour fate, i mourn the loss
our people yore who honored those
valiant ones who served for us
on distant shores to keep us safe.
I for one do here pledge my oath
to never forget what they gave
in service for the rest of us
should be, all honored every one.