WHO ARE THESE MEN?
(Poem written by Joddie Johnson in 1996, aged 11 years old)
Who are these men who march so proud
Who quietly weep, eyes closed, heads bowed?
These are the men who once were boys
Who missed out on youth and all of its joys
Who are these men with aged faces
Who silently count the empty spaces?
These are the men who gave their all
Who fought for their country for freedom and all.
Who are these men with sorrowed look
Who still can remember the lives that were took?
These are the men who saw young men die
The price of peace is always high.
Who are these men who in the midst of pain
Whispered comfort to those they would not see again?
These are the men whose hand held tomorrow
Who bought back our future with blood, tears and sorrow.
Who are these men who promise to keep
Alive in their hearts the ones God holds asleep?
These are the men to whom I promise again
Veterans, my friends, I WILL REMEMBER THEM.