A price was paid in sorrow,
For the freedom we enjoy;
Fathers and sons have died,
For every girl and boy.

Moms and daughters also serve,
To keep our people free;
We owe them so very much,
For the gift given you and me.

I will not forget these,
These veterans of wars;
Many lost their lives,
Many minds wear scars.

Once again we battle,
The tyranny and the terror;
To make a people free,
We'll fight without error.

Thank you to the Army,
We salute the Navy, too;
Thanks to the Air Force,
Marines, we love you.

Thank you to the Coast Guard,
National Guardsmen, we give a hand;
We love all of you,
For you we strike up the band.

~Sandra Oidtman~
Copyright 2004

My father and my step-father were both veterans. I know many veterans and I have heard the stories of those who have lost loved ones. I was born shortly after WWII ended so I know many families who lost loved ones in that war. Vietnam was fought while I was growing up. I lost classmates to that war. Now, we are in Iraq and my friends are once again shipping out. May God bless them and keep them safe. And may God care for their families while they are gone.