As Memorial Day approaches again in a few days, it brings back warm and wonderful memories from our time in Branson, Missouri, last fall. What makes Branson so unique is its long-held tradition of honoring God, family and country. That town and the stages of singers and performers certainly take special care of its veterans. Every show has a tribute to those who have served in the military, and one show that we especially loved was put on by the Brett Family.
Andrea Brett, the mom of the group, was inspired some time back to write a poem to honor the veterans who attend their shows. The poem, entitled “ I Am A Veteran”, was inspired by average men and women. They are ordinary citizens all around us, who, when not in uniform, look just like you and me. Many of them believe their story is not worth telling, or maybe it is too hard to tell. In any case, their individual experiences combine together to create a mighty force for freedom. Mrs. Brett wrote this poem to honor those who lived these stories.
She shared with our audience that she also wrote the poem, which eventually became a beautifully illustrated book, for those of us who need to become more aware of the men and women that we meet in our comings and goings. In the book she encourages us to reach out to those that we know or those we see that have served our country. Tell them thank you in person for serving. Maybe pay for their lunch if you encounter a serviceman or woman in a restaurant!
The book is illustrated with beautiful pencil drawings, conjuring up emotions of courage, pain, compassion, strength, despair, pride, and fellowship. Even though the book is a personal fulfillment of Andrea Brett’s need to say thank you to veterans everywhere, we all can give thanks for all they have been through and given for our freedom. As you read this poem, realize that what they have given is really a divine partnership – soldier and savior – and we owe our freedom to both. May we share our gratefulness where it is due.
I Am A Veteran
You may not know me the first time we meet
I’m just another you see on the street.
But I am the reason you walk and breathe free
I am the reason for your liberty.
I am a veteran.
I work in the local factory all day
I own the restaurant just down the way.
I sell you insurance, I start your IV
I’ve got the best looking grandkids you’ll ever see.
I’m your grocer, your banker, your child’s school teacher
I’m your plumber, your barber, your family’s preacher.
But there’s part of me you don’t know very well
Just listen a moment, I’ve a story to tell.
I am a veteran.
I joined the service while still in my teens
I traded my prom dress for camouflage greens.
I’m the first in my family to do something like this
I followed my father like he followed his.
Defying my fears and hiding my doubt
I married my sweetheart before I shipped out.
I missed Christmas, then Easter, the birth of my son
But I knew I was doing what had to be done.
I served on the battlefront, I served on the base
I bound up the wounded and begged for God’s grace.
I gave orders to fire, I followed commands
I marched into conflict in far distant lands.
In the jungle, the desert, on mountains, and shores
In bunkers, in tents, on dank earthen floors.
While I fought on the ground, in the air, on the sea
My family and friends were home praying for me.
I am a veteran.
For the land of the free and home of the brave
I faced my demons in foxholes and caves.
Then one dreaded day, without drummer or fife
I lost an arm, my buddy lost his life.
I came home and moved on, but forever was changed
The perils of war in my memory remained.
I don’t really say much, I don’t feel I can
But I left home a child, and came home a man.
There are thousands like me, thousands more who are gone
But their legacy lives as time marches on.
White crosses in rows and names carved queue
Remind us of what these brave souls had to do.
I’m part of a fellowship, a strong mighty band
Of each man and each woman who has served this great land.
And when Old Glory waves, I stand proud, I stand tall
I helped keep her flying over you, over all.
I am a veteran.
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