His old eyes hold a story
And a knowledge of world you’ll never have to know
You look at him but you don’t see
The hell that he’s gone through

He doesn’t ask for anything
He’s always pushed aside
The youth with their pop stars and free speech and cool trends
Don’t know that he fought for them

He’s seen things
Heard things
Felt things
You’ll never have to experience

He’s been caught in the heat of battle
And watched his brothers die
He’s been shot at and pushed back and beaten
He was praised as a hero
But only for a time

He is a humble man
With a simple life
And a haunting past
He has paid the price
For your freedom

He doesn’t ask for anything
But when you look him in the eyes
And whisper
“Thank you”
He knows his hell was worth it
He swells with pride and tears

A/N---

I volunteered at the Salvation Army today, serving a hot dinner to the homeless war veterans in the area. Let me tell you, it's sad to watch men who fought for me, my family and my country come in from a downpour, wet and hungry. It's hard to see that our heroes are pushed aside after their wars are done. The fought bravely for us, and where are they now? Living alone, without homes, without food, without their families. No support system.

They're the most humble people I've ever met. They walk in and hand you a plate, let you fill it with food, and they thank you for your kindness. They shouldn't be thanking me. When you look them straight in the eyes and say "No, thank you" their faces light up. They feel proud at what they've done, they feel appreciated for their efforts and their service to this country. That's how they should feel every day.

God bless our veterans, God bless our soldiers, God bless America.