The Veteran
They have faithfully served
both near and far
in times of peace
and in time of war.
They’ve served on land,
the air and sea
and they’ve kept this nation
strong and free.
*
Now, some don’t bear
the wounds and scars,
while some wear the bronze
and silver stars.
Yet, they all deserve our thanks
you see,
for without them, God knows,
where we’d be!
***
Jack Downing
Nov. 2014
Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD. 11/11/17
poemsandponderings 
So so true. What a grateful tribute poem. Thank you, Jake.
Thank you Audrey, so many have given so much to those who have no idea just how fortunate they truly are.
Merry Christmas and productive New Year,
I thank you sir and I pray for the same for you and all of your family and friends> Y prospero ano nuevo por todo