I wrote the following poem almost 20 years ago after several thousand of us were unceremoniously "dumped" from the military under the guise of the so-called voluntary "Force Reduction Program" that was enacted after Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
This is a copywrited, original poem by yours truly, but feel free to copy this, distribute this, etc.
“Veterans… the Forgotten Heroes”
Copyright 1991
By
James R. Geiger
Cedar Falls, IA
This is dedicated to all of those who have served, are currently serving, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never came home.
Yesterday Veterans answered this country’s call.
Some giving their lives so this country wouldn’t fall.
Today tides have turned and the Veterans are crying out.
Not for any charity or any handouts.
They cry out for justice and a helping hand.
Instead they get forgotten by this so-called Promised Land.
This country that they fought for and would gladly fight again.
This country’s empty promise never came to these proud men.
Over 200,000* are homeless; stretching east and west.
Is this any way to treat America’s Best?
Many more are jobless and struggle day to day.
Their families are going hungry and all they can do is pray.
They pray for peace on earth and a ray of light.
To deliver them, to love them, and make the wrongs go right.
Yes, Veterans pray for many things, but seldom will admit.
They pray most for their country… to love them as much as they love it!!
*- Currently there are over 1.5 million homeless Veterans in the United States. Some from the current conflicts.