Who won the War in the Gulf?
Who served their country when all fled?
Who rushed into the Twin Towers when fires billowed above?
Were they not Veterans of the Vietnam War?
Who battled the Communists?
Who fought when the politicians hedged?
Who gave their lives in the service of their country?
Was it not the Vietnam War Veterans?
Who volunteered before the draft?
Who did their duty without being asked?
Who gave up their careers to defend liberty?
Were they not men like you and me?
They were called bums because they didn't shave.
They were called dope addicts because they killed their pains.
They died on the battlefield without number.
Were they not the heroes of an unpopular war?
They fought when they could've run.
They fought for no reward, just on principle.
They battled the enemies of freedom everyday.
Were they not spat on when they came home?
They received no parade, just the cold stares of reporters.
They received medals, but they threw them away.
They were treated like sick men, when they needed love.
Were they not the men who'd done their duty?
They waited for recognition, but received none.
They cried for attention, but were rebuffed.
They died with broken hearts, but remained unbroken.
Were they not the men who'd lost their friends?
They came from all walks of life, color and creed.
They exchanged their lives for a smile of appreciation.
They fought for you and me so we won't have to.
Were they not the heroes of our generation?
Who then died in like numbers to World Wars before?
Who won the Cold War against the USSR?
Who died at home in greater number than on the battlefield?
It was the Vietnam War Veterans who gave us 58,000 lives.
They recorded their names on a black stone with an abstract shape.
No other monument was found to match their heroism.
They accepted the tribute with tearful eyes.
What were they to do when the nation turned its back on them?
Everyone got the credit for winning the war against Communism,
But not them; they were vilified in the press instead.
They threw their medals in despair, not from anger.
Had they not fought and died like every soldier before?
Were their wives and children not deserving of honor?
Were their parents not deserving of respect?
Were the draft dodgers and deserters the peacemakers or cowards?
The Vietnam War Veterans received no thank-you from their nation, except speeches at elections.
How much longer must they wait before there is closure?
How many more wars must they fight before they receive the medal of honor?
Did they not lead the War on Terror in our day?
It's the Vietnam War Veteran who mans the citadel of liberty today.
Are they going to be betrayed one more time?
Are they going to be deprived of their moment in history?
Are they going to lose another war by withdrawing in the face of their enemy?
We can't do that to them again; let them win this one before it's too late.March 31, 2006