I think of men and women wounded In the World Wars and Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. My mind sees them bleeding In Grenada and Beirut, in Somalia, Afghanistan and the Philippines. I see their bodies, ward upon ward, Aging and forgotten, alone in a land That owes them everything, and more. These, these are our disabled veterans. We must honor their continuing sacrifice in defense of freedom. We must make sure they are always remembered. Always. They left their legs on foreign soil. They'll never run with children, Nor ever dance with joy. They surrendered the delight of sight. They cannot see the ones they love, Nor the Flag that waves above. War's din of horror left them deaf. Music cannot move their souls, Nor laughter bring them joy. These, these are our disabled veterans. Let us honor their continuing sacrifice in defense of freedom. Let us make sure they are always remembered. Always. War takes its toll as wheelchairs roll, As crutches bang the sidewalk, As white canes tap the floor. War shreds the mind and wrecks the soul, It leaves men dreaming in the light, Women screaming in the night. War breaks the heart, leaves nothing whole, A tortured mind can never talk About the horrors known in war. These, these are our disabled veterans. Let us honor their continuing sacrifice In defense of freedom. Let us make sure they are always Remembered. Always. |
| - Dr. Maya Angelou |
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