We Are Veterans
We left home in our youth for an unknown adventure.
We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
We said goodbye to friends and family and the life we knew.
We learned the basics and then scattered to the far corners of the Earth.
We found new friends and new family.
We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed.
We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.
We didn’t get enough sleep.
We smoked and drank too much.
We picked up good and bad habits.
We worked hard and played harder.
We collected a substandard wage.
We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.
We didn’t know when, or if, we would see home again.
We grew up fast, yet in some ways never grew up at all.
We fought for our freedom and the freedom of others.
Some of us saw combat, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us dealt with physical warfare, and most of us dealt with psychological warfare.
We have experienced things that we can’t adequately explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.
We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
We counted on each other to get our job done and to survive.
We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
We have celebrated and mourned.
We lost some along the way.
When our adventure was over, some of us returned home, some of us began anew, and some of us could do neither.
We have told our tales of exploits and adventures.
We share an unspoken bond with each other, that others won’t understand.
We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the others.
We know however, that when needed, we will stand together with all of our brothers and sisters as one, in a heartbeat.
Being called a veteran is a title earned, and it can never be taken away.
It has no monetary value, but it is a priceless honor.
People see a veteran and they thank them for their service.
When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.
Remember the good times and find strength from the bad times.
Share your stories.
Stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a "Veteran".
We left home in our youth for an unknown adventure.
We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
We said goodbye to friends and family and the life we knew.
We learned the basics and then scattered to the far corners of the Earth.
We found new friends and new family.
We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed.
We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.
We didn’t get enough sleep.
We smoked and drank too much.
We picked up good and bad habits.
We worked hard and played harder.
We collected a substandard wage.
We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.
We didn’t know when, or if, we would see home again.
We grew up fast, yet in some ways never grew up at all.
We fought for our freedom and the freedom of others.
Some of us saw combat, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us dealt with physical warfare, and most of us dealt with psychological warfare.
We have experienced things that we can’t adequately explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.
We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
We counted on each other to get our job done and to survive.
We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
We have celebrated and mourned.
We lost some along the way.
When our adventure was over, some of us returned home, some of us began anew, and some of us could do neither.
We have told our tales of exploits and adventures.
We share an unspoken bond with each other, that others won’t understand.
We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the others.
We know however, that when needed, we will stand together with all of our brothers and sisters as one, in a heartbeat.
Being called a veteran is a title earned, and it can never be taken away.
It has no monetary value, but it is a priceless honor.
People see a veteran and they thank them for their service.
When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.
Remember the good times and find strength from the bad times.
Share your stories.
Stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a "Veteran".