Oldsailor65 Loc: Iowa

Not My Day a poem by a Veteran

It’s common on Memorial Day to be thanked for our service. While very much appreciated most of us redirect those sentiments towards the men and women who truly earned them in the hardest of ways. This year I thought I’d pen some lines to better explain Memorial Day as seen through the eyes of a veteran.

NOT MY DAY

It’s not my day to celebrate nor to be given thanks,
just for raising my right hand and standing in the ranks.

I came home with eyes that see and breath within my lungs,
to live a life that’s worthy of the battles lost and won.

This day is for the brothers who fell beside me as they fought,
and those who didn’t know us but our safety their lives bought.

This day is for our nation to rejoice in being whole,
to gather near with loved ones and consider freedom’s toll.

It’s not my day to celebrate nor to have shaken hand,
it’s my day to humbly honor those who gave all for this land.

Steve Adelmann, Sergeant Major, US Army - Retired

moldyoldy