I stand proud when someone says to me
"Thanks for serving your country!"
Humbling because it was not me
But my country that served me
I remember being so poor that our windows
Were boarded up and my shoes were masking taped
But I had school lunches and food to take to my sister
I remember saluting the flag and watching
Brave American soldiers defending me
I remember Grandpa telling me of the old country
My family was starving and the boat to America
Proud he could build ships or the war
My other grandpa had a farm to feed his family
A sawmill and a way to help build Churches
But none of my family had ever served his country
I was a young boy when I made the decision
In high school I joined the Army National Guard
Six month after graduation I was in the Air Force
I took Marine medical training Great Lakes Naval base
I actually went to three basic trainings in three branches
No longer were my windows boarded up and we had food
So you see I did not serve my country my country served me
Today I look sadly at the changes going on around me
But I know in this generation there are kids just like me
I join all my fellow poets praising our veterans
For this is what Veterans day means to me
For despite all the critiques it is the
Veteran who gave a limb or his life who keeps
This country one of the few that still allow one
To come from nothing and still have freedom of choice