Veterans Those caps and vests declare service to our country a branch of the military a unit number the name of a ship. Part of the humble community of Americans who said yes when called. Warriors for the rest of us, a grateful nation The soul of America stopped, tattooed, hands gnarled, burden of memories, to protect us. Bearing Purple Heart scars, internal wounds from deployment Handclasps, comradeship, exclude the rest of us thankful for their selflessness.
Chuck Thompson’s vest was what I was thinking about when I wrote that first line. And Uncle Don Wilson’s USS Yorktown and USS Hancock caps. Vietnam veterans caps. My Favorite Guy isn’t a cap wearer but there are Veteran license plates on our CRV and the F-150, which also has a Vietnam War sticker on the back bumper. God bless those who served.
This poem introduces the chapter on Veterans in The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland.
Heartfelt thanks to all those who serve and who have served!
Amen, Annette.
Your poetic tribute vividly portrays our veterans, Joy. A special thank you to Chuck and all your loved ones who served. 🙏🪖🇺🇸
Thank you, Nancy. Chuck had an accident earlier this year while riding in a group of veteran motorcyclists to mark the service of another, and he is in a wheelchair. They were able to save his vest.
I’m sorry to hear that Chuck was in an accident. 🙏
Oh, we all were!
It’s heartening to see so many people honoring our veterans today.
Liz, it sure is!
Thank you to Chuck, Guy, and all those who have served our country honorably.
Thanks, Pete!
The imagery of the veterans’ caps, vests, and the heavy burden of memories is so powerful. Thank you for sharing such a touching piece today, Joy!
What a welcome response. Thank you, Prateek.
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Good to hear from you, GP!
My pleasure, Joy!
Joy…thank you for all that you do all year long to make sure we never forget and always honor those who served and are serving. Your poem is so moving…especially these three lines:
…”Warriors
for the rest of us,
a grateful nation…”
💝💝💝
Bless you, Vicki.
Love you, Joy! ❤️
A super tribute to our veterans, Joy
Thanks, John!
😊
Thank you for sharing this post and your poem! Yes! As you have said, ‘God bless all those who have served our great country!’
Thank you, Linda.
The veterans have my thanks and thankfully, those of many, many others. And thank you to you as well for such a thoughtful post on Veterans’ Day.
Bless you, Diana.
It’s very nice of you to honor veterans, Joy. 😍
Thank you, Tim.
My pleasure, Joy. 😍 I admire you.