I am a veteran.
Let me tell you what that means to me.
It means I made sacrifices
to keep my country free.
 
It means doing many things
I really did not want to do.
But, when given orders,
I would follow them through.

It means spending many nights
away from those that I love.
“Let me live to see them again”
was my prayer to God above.
 
Yes, I made sacrifices
but mine were very small
when compared to the thousands
who sacrificed their all.
 
It means I joined a fraternity
that existed for many years.
Truly a brotherhood
of blood, sweat and tears.
 
I am a veteran.
For that I take great pride,
some for things I did but much more
of the heroes who have died
 
protecting this way of life
where choices can be made.
We kept this the land of the free
and we made it the home of the brave.
I AM A VETERAN!