Tattered fatigues that once fit him like a glove.  Work-worn hands gripping the handles of crutches in just about the same condition.  Tears stinging his once-youthful blue eyes as he hears the news of yet another soldier, or another Veteran, going to meet his Maker.

The Veteran stands there among the crowd, not really alone, but feeling anything but connected to the people surrounding him.  He hears the speeches, hears the familiar military music, and wonders if anyone even gives a damn about him.  People seem to act like they care as to what is going on, but do they really??  He already knows the answer, and it makes him mad.  Good and mad.

He feels that our nation's people have forgotten the sacrifices he and countless others have made for the sake of freedom; people seem to take it for granted.  He shivers underneath his clothes even though it is a bright sunshiney day outside as he realizes that people only remember brave soldiers "only when convenient", like on holidays like Veteran's Day, which is only three days away, or on days like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.

The Veteran sees people looking at him, wondering if they see him as anything less than worthy or being honored.  He certainly doesn't feel like he is getting what he deserves:  the VA continues to give him the runaround; he still feels no relief from the pain that slams through his broken and battered body.  He wishes that for once any number of these people could endure the hells he had to just so they could enjoy themselves for the day, any day, really.

Do they see him as a person of worth, or just a poor old crippled man looking for sympathy, just because he took the oath to protect America when common people such as those around him would have probably turned yellow and run for their lives??

The president certainly doesn't seem to care, he grouses underneath his breath.  He can't stand the current president; he wishes things could go back to like they were before this guy took office.  He says good things, but some of his policies just don't add up, especially when it comes to Veterans or their affairs. 

Suddenly without warning pain slams in his chest.  His heart acting up again.  He reflexively grabs his chest, grunts aloud, causing people to look at him.  He wonders if he is having a heart attack; his last thought before his world goes dark is that he is about to join his wife, and his military buddies, in Heaven.  Life up there certainly has to be much better than it is down here, he thinks before he crumples to the ground like a worn-out flag.

*to be continued.*

*Please remember our Veterans, for if it were not for them, you would NOT be free today!*