Special thanks to Terry Rizzuti, as he truly understands the pain and trauma.

Also, this is dedicated to all of our veterans who protected our country no matter how much pain, sweat, and blood they have seen in their lives.

V ivid memories of the sights, sounds, comraderie, violence, and bittersweet victories fill his head as he lays his head on his pillow. Even the scent of the kitchen at the military base enters his mind.

E  very physical and emotional scar is woven into the threads of his uniform, laces on his boots, his skin, and his heart.

                           Il cuore non dimentica mai (the heart never forgets)

T urmoil, tremors, and turbulence fill the night, as he still remembers the illuminated, golden sky over the battlefield.

E very man and woman who remembers the battlefield can still see the flesh, blood, sweat, pain, injury and violence, for it never disappears.

R oaring rivers, rapid waves, the swampland, and the sounds of gunfire invade his thoughts,

A merica is his first and only love, for as he packed his duffle bag for the war that day, he knew that he would defend his fellow Americans and kept his promise. 

N ight brings him tears as he sits alone in his room, trying to hide his pain from his friends and family.

They strive to understand him, yet all they can do is love him and understand that his scars are permanent.

S it with him and hear his stories, learn from him, be patient, and ask him about each of his medals, and what they mean to him.                                             

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