Forgotten Fighter

[Moderator]

By James Kisner


In World War II, he whispered, I was wounded by a blast
And he began his story, reminiscing of his past
I was just a boy back then, I lied about my age
To get into the Army and fight for the USA

I love this country very much, it's still the very best
And I would fight to keep it free and safe from foreign pest
We won that war and I came home, my wounds had healed enough
To re-enlist with other men, the Army made us tough

Then a little flare-up in Korea called us out
A threat against our freedom, spreading fear without a doubt
There I caught a bullet when I tried to save a friend
Another wound for Uncle Sam, they sent me home to mend

Soldier, have you had enough, my Sergeant said to me
Or do you want another tour, if ever there's to be
We would train and fight again, if ever it need be
Because we love America, we'll fight to keep her free

It didn't take too long before my boys were off again
We were shipped off to a war we thought would never end
I didn't understand it much, if it was wrong or right
But I was a U.S. soldier and my Country said go fight

I never questioned orders that were sent from up above
I did it for America, the Country that I love
I fought to keep my Country safe again in Vietnam
Then wounded I came home again, a victim of napalm

My fighting days were over now, and I had given all
But, some had given more than me, their names are on a Wall
I am now well up in years, a soldier old and worn
I could only sit and pray, as I watched Desert Storm

So proud of our boys over there, who stand for what is right
Freedom is the battle cry, the reason why they fight
Young soldiers fight for liberty, protecting freedom's bliss
Old soldiers dream of by-gone days, while fighting loneliness

We were heroes in our day, he said, and then he sighed
Forgotten in some VA home and all my friends have died
I never asked for anything, just wanted to live free
But if you write this story, there are many just like me

Who fought to keep our country safe and free from every foe
Only to come home again and have no place to go
Sadly, when the limelight fails, heroes fade away
Some men fight the silent battles 'til their dying day

Please remember what it took and what we had to pay
And join with us remembering on this Memorial Day
Memorial Day is special, it is not just summer's start
The reason that we have this day should be etched into your heart

Lives were lost and young men died, to keep this Country free
So, take a moment on that day to meditate with me
Remember all those valiant men and women who fought for
The lifestyle that you now enjoy because they went to war