On Veterans Day 2002 I attendeded a luncheon for Veterans. In attendance were men and women vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam etc. While observing those there I realized that I had never read anything that described them. That day I wrote the following. It is in the 2nd book of the trilogy I wrote...Executive Order 211 al Qaeda (published), Executive Order 211 Afghanistan and Executive Order 211 United States.

THE VETERAN

They come from all corners of America,
sons and daughters of factory workers,
truck drivers, housewives, professionals and farmers.

Veterans are of different age, race, sex, color and creed.
Some are short or tall, others thin or stout,
but all are willing to sacrifice their life
to protect our country, fellow citizens and freedom.

They join the military, some with no training,
hoping that they can in some way make a difference.
Little do they know that each individual’s sacrifice
makes a distinct impact in the preservation
of what our forefathers fought for.

A veteran is one who cries when his fellow soldier dies,
but continues on with the mission assignment.
They heal the wounded … some bury the dead.
There are those who plan the missions
and others who seek out the enemy.

Some must transport them to battle, along with those
who provide support and cover in their journey.
There are Commanders who must give orders for war,
and Chaplains who pray for them all.

The Veteran returns from battle, some injured,
others mentally scarred for life.
All are very humble, matured and not willing to share
the death and destruction they may have witnessed,
there is no need to cause others despair.

Deep inside their hearts the Veteran knows
their goal of sacrifice,
was to serve their country proudly and
help bring peace for all that will follow.


W. Robb Robichaud
Vietnam Veteran
November 11, 2002
Copyright 2002