The Vietnam Veteran 

by 

Ed Hayes
2^nd Platoon
D Company  1^st Squadron
11^th Armored Calvary Regiment
1966 - 1967

They came from all 50 states
To fight an enemy they were taught to hate
They came from cities, towns, and farms
Many died in their buddies arms
Most were young boys, just out of high school
At that time in their life, everything was cool

Some, with parents of wealth and connection
They stayed home, went to college, had protection
Others, with whatever reason
Turned their backs and ran, only to "beg" to return in a later season
Most that were called to serve their nation
Did so willingly and without reservation

We did the best we could considering the situation
Not having the support of the people of this great nation
Over 58,000 young men died, and many were maimed
Wives were left without husbands, kids without fathers,
Mother's lost sons, and brothers lost brothers.

The ones who survived are scarred for the rest of their life
They returned home to find that few cared 
Only their comrades understood the "Hell" they had shared
No parades, No thanks, No welcome home
Only ugliness and resentment was shown

The ones who returned home without having their name chiseled on the wall
shall live having nightmares and shed lots of tears before "Gods" final call
The Vietnam Veteran - "Brothers" without America's support
But "Brothers" we will always be.