American Soldier

A poem I wrote years ago in honor of Veteran's Day

AMERICAN SOLDIER by: James W. Mckay

They came from all over with different backgrounds and roots           
But for the country that they love, they'll gladly lace up their boots  
They went to foreign lands as choppers, boats and planes would take them over                     

They are the heart and soul of this great nation, it's the American Soldier

They endured mother natures wrath and constant enemy hostile fire                             
Many came back and they weren't the same, while many lives expired                          
From scorching desert sand and heat; to temperatures much colder                          

They're the patriotic symbol of freedom and pride; it's the American Soldier

They protest, fight, and have died for our vast lands and roaring seas                            
They are part of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guards, and Marines                        
From Vietnam to Afghanistan, they marched side by side, shoulder to shoulder                 

We honor those Vets who have served us proud; it's our American Soldier

From the Blackhawks, F-16s, to Naval Battleships, and those tough army tanks             
There are not enough words that we can all say, to shake hands and say Thanks             
It kept you away from your family and friends but you stayed strong and bolder         

Your bodies bled for the red, white, and blue; you are our American Soldier

There are many landmarks and symbols spread all over the land of the free               
The American Flag, the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty                          
You built a bond that no one could break; they were your sisters and brothers                 

You never left anyone behind it's true; Carry on, our American Soldier

From all the yells of Hooyah to Hoorah to Oorah and even Semper Fi                                     
To once a soldier to always a soldier until the day that you would die                                    
It's nothing that can be taken away, even when their life is finally over                         

They'd do it all over again if there was a chance; what an American Soldier

Many of our fallen now lay beneath the ground, as we remember their lives                                    
I tell you from all of those still living, we will truly never forget your sacrifice                 
You have done your best to live out your lives, while so many of you recover                       

Thank you for the giving of your time and becoming one of our American Soldiers

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY
by: James W. Mckay/10-10-18