Veterans Day - for my brother Fred

I remember the day we drove you

To the airport that dreary morn

All of us bravely smiling at you,
Young and somber in your uniform

We knew the one-way ticket ride

Was a crap-shoot you were attending

All in the name of Freedom

With the outcome terrifyingly pending

Did I ever tell you, “Thank you”

Did I ever say I’m sorry  

When you came home such a different man

When your eyes looked haunted and weary

From the things you saw and experienced

Those few years that you were away

It made a difference in all of us

For the price that you had to pay

Every day we thank our lucky stars

That you are with us still 

Unlike the boys we grew up with

Who never made it over the hill

They will forever be in our thoughts

As we think of their families

And give thanks to you and all of our Troops

That we live in a Country that’s free

Did I ever tell you, “Thank you”

Did I ever say I’m sorry