"What do you See" - Poem by Leon Kohler

"What do you See" - Poem by Leon Kohler

Our fellow comrade Leon Kohler (from Post 4 in Lakeland, Fla.) has written a very moving poem after viewing the “Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.” It is worth noting that Leon himself served in Vietnam, so he understands the sacrifice that was made by so many and is grateful for this memorial. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War and was made for the purpose of helping to heal and rekindle friendships. It also allows people like Leon the opportunity to visit this wall who otherwise may not be able to make a trip to D.C. Leon’s poem can be an inspiration to us all and will definitely move you. It is worth sharing with everyone!

“What do you see”

What do you see when you look at the wall
Just a bunch of names is that all
Or do you see the Americans that answered the call
And all our brave brothers who gave their all
Do you see the Joes and Bills the Bobs and Petes
The ones who marched thru jungles until they had blisters on their feet
Do you see the young men from every race
Do you see the sad look upon their face
Do you see the pain, the suffering, and strife of the newly widowed young wife
Do you see families that are still grieving
Because their sons could not say good-bye before leaving
Let me tell you what I see
I see thousands who died so I could be free
So please let’s not forget them
Remember them when you hear the National Anthem

By Leon Kohler
Oct. 12, 2013