I was never a fighting soldier,
Did my service in a different way,
But I took the loyalty oath
And the signing on pay,
Made that committment
That said I understood
I may have to pay the full price
Some day for the Nation's good.
These medals are just chocolate,
Given for just being there,
But I wear them at times
To show respect and care
For brothers and sisters in service
Who in so many ways paid the cost,
Violent deaths, damage minds,
Deformed bodies, limbs lost.
I salute them as they struggle
To live life a normal way
Understand when some think death
Was not the worst price to pay.
So, we Veterans of many ages,
Who, in so many ways understand,
Form a brotherhood of strength
And hold out our helping hand.
