.... Tears ....

As the United States flag either is being raised or lowered on the pole,
or it is carried solemnly past,
there is always a tune that can be heard.
Whether it is Reveille, Taps, or the National Anthem,
I always get choked up.

I saluted the flag when I wore the uniform,
Now, as a veteran,
I remove my hat and cover my heart,
and try to whisper the words
of the Star Spangled Banner.

I try, because, I have the memories of my service,
the good ones,
the bad ones,
the ones that no one should have to bear.

I try,
though I can't get very far,
for the tears well up, and fall,
one after another.

I am not ashamed -
not ashamed to cry in front of women and girls,
the men and boys -
I will never be ashamed.

For those who ask why I am crying, I tell them,
I tell them from my heart,
that. . .

My tears bear pride,
for each and every member of the Armed Forces,
who is, and was willing to,
and in some cases, did,
Lay their lives down.  

Bear memories,
for the ones you haven't forgotten,
the ones you can't,
the ones you won't.

Bear sadness,
for the blood spilt,
for the sacrifices that had to be made
for me and you.

They bear joy,
for our continued freedom,
Yours and mine,
his and hers.

But more importantly, my tears bear an everlasting
  Thank you,
for a debt that I can never pay in full.

When I finish,
I will tell those around me,

Shed your tears.
If someone asks you why they fall,
don't be ashamed, but rather tell them,
then share the tears together,
As I am, with you.
 
Daniel W. Lynn II
U.S. Army 1989-1996
Click here to email author. 
 

 
The author dedicates this poem to all veterans
regardless of whether you served in the military or not.
 

 
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An "Original Works" from my-TGIF !

Music Playing: The Star Spangled Banner