The Old Men

The old men struggled to their feet

The anthem at the end of its first stanza

Leaning on each other as in years gone by

Caps off, held gently over their hearts

Hair thin and wispy, moving with the breeze

Bodies erect, they stand in silent reverence

Their caps bear names from long ago

Places where history was made

Normandie, Bastogne, Corregidor, Okinawa

They remember another time, another place

They gave their blood, their sweat, and their youth

Friends gave the last full measure

Asking not for praise, or thanks

Only that you honor their friends,

Remember why, and never forget