There is a long road in life
Filled with potholes and clay.
There is a long road in life
And all Veterans have gone that way.

The sweat from their brows,
Their muscles aching and reeling;
The short nights of sleep they had,
Do I know what they were feeling?

Heavy equipment on their backs,
No permanent place to call home;
Trudging up and down hills,
They were together and yet so alone.
Pictures in their pockets
Of their loved-ones so dear;
Getting weathered and tattered,
As they silently shed their tears.

Some faced battles and death
And returned with heavy hearts.
Some daily answered their Country
And did not see the battle scars.

All did what they had to do
Through self-discipline and strife;
In order to serve the Red, White and Blue,
They prepared to defend my freedom and life.

As a kindred in spirit
From the U.S. of A,
In a moment of silence
I want to thank all Veterans today.
~Author Unknown