Submitted by: Jerry Brooks

Category: Poetry

The Soldier Pays

What do they mean it’s the results that could not be foreseen?
It’s about the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives
that laid their lives on the line for the peace we enjoy at this time
Liberty is not free and for it the soldier must pay.

There were those who came home and those who did not
and on this day we will let them know they will never be forgot.
Even this day around the world, we are here and there
but that is our way of life, to help everywhere.

Remember each morning when the sun comes up,
it was made possible by what each gave up.
Let us not take for granted what we have today,
it was given to us by those they took away.

Let us put into perspective the meaning of Memorial and Veterans Days
and thank from the bottom of our hearts all those who showed the way.
This thank you is from me and those who cannot,
and let them know, they will never be forgot!

About the author:

Born in Lafayette, Indiana in 1941, Jerry Brooks found himself immersed in a new world after he was drafted for military service in 1966. Brooks served in the United States Army as a Radio Carrier Repairman. He completed he tours in Vietnam, was honorably discharged and returned to life in Indiana. However, he would later re-enter the Army, make it a career, retiring as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) after 27 years.