HE SURVIVED

He paved the path to freedom.
Upon his return there were no cheering crowds
to greet him.
A few stood by his side. To lift him up while
in silence he cried.
He survived while holding the hand of a dying
brother of war. Realizing this man's family would
see him no more.
He made it through the trenches and the blood
stained fields of Vietnam. He carried the names
on dog tags of the fallen within his palm.
It was something to show for their existence.
Their fight to the end, it was relentless.
To this day he carries the battle scars.
Some not visible and some that are.
Have we forgotten the hero's of war?
Do we remember the burden that was
placed upon them and how it tugged
and tore?
He survived the war, but in his memory
the pain will be there forever more.
Let us never forget those who serve
and protect.
To them salute and stand erect!