Welcome Home Vietnam Vets
Yesterday, because of your efforts, I witnessed renewed life,
the redemption of heroic men
forgotten by their country , family and friends.
You made a difference that blew through the halls of darkness
Cast out shadows, exploded hallowed chambers
and filled them with once again with light and hope.
I saw dead men resurrected, alive again.
Their dignity and tears displayed like the medals they earned in battle.
Old wounds finally closed,
battle scars miraculous healed
and hearts beaming with long over due pride.
You did all this, you made a difference,
you ended their pain by opening up your hearts, your time and your school
and welcoming them home.
By your efforts you rocked your world,
the aftershocks and tremors opened up old wounds
and closed them with one swift and final jolt,
and the ensuing cleansing tsunami washed away their tears.
THANK YOU PRAIRIE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL - YOU ROCK!!!
Some Gave All
Some gave eyes, arms and legs,
all predestined by their fate.
Some gave up dreams, their youth,
and women who wouldn't wait.
Some lost it all, some held on tight,
And some gave in to hate.
And some gave up their very lives.
Yet, all gave some.
No heroes welcome home
met their weary eyes.
No ticker tape parades,
No paper floating from the skies.
No bands playing the anthem
To welcome back these guys.
Forgotten their heroic deeds,
By media's own device.
Forgotten were the POW/MIA
We forgot their sacrifice.
All forgotten heroes,
These Men who'd paid the price.
And some gave up their very lives.
Yet, all gave some.
You're not welcome here,
You can't come in this place.
Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
You're such a huge disgrace.
We're not proud of your patriotism
How dare you show your face?
Shunned by Veteran of Foreign Wars,
Their loyalty suppressed.
Criticized by family and friends,
And slandered by the press,
Abandoned by their countrymen,
True, sadly, we confess.
They stuffed away their valiant deeds
The things that they did best.
They stuffed away their medals and uniforms
In old forgotten chests.
They stuffed away their memories and dreams,
All hidden like the rest.
Rejected, some took their own lives.
Yet, all gave some.
Years pass, decades fly
How quickly time goes by.
Young men grow old, sometimes alone
As young dreams die.
The effects of the war wear on them
And many said goodbye.
An idea conceived,
A careful, thoughtful plan,
By youthful high school students
And mentors doing all they can.
Yet, this simple act of kindness
Brought pride back to the man.
And some gave up their very lives.
Yet, all gave some.
A new day dawns
A smile is on their face.
No longer humiliation and shame,
No longer their disgrace.
Your simple act of kindness
Has insured their rightful place.
And some gave up their very lives.
Yet, all gave some.
And somewhere in death's battlefield
Where heroic deeds are measured.
Where sacrifice, duty and honor
their values fully treasured.
Sleep goodly men! You gave it all!
Redeemed and surely pleasured.
Mary Dunne
April 9, 2011
