I wanted to just write a poem...
And write it for some vets.
But the more I got to thinking...
The more I started to regret.

As we watch today's Veteran Sales...
And other secular events,
I wonder whatever happened to...
Just saying a  "thank you"...
That was sincere and really meant?

Some will claim they are a veteran...
And so they are worthy of praise.
Others will not say a word...
Yet, both are the heroes that we have raised.

People will gather...
And folks will spend...
but not for the Veteran...
And, probably not, from within.

Where are all the folks from the past...
That would gather and hoist a toast?
They'd almost want to stand in line...
To give the veteran their most.

Today it's a little different...
And I'm not, really, sure just why.
For just a few years ago...
The flags were certainly up...
And, in fact, were waving quite high.

What is it with our country...
That demands so much from its vets.
From giving their lives...
To their living with regrets?

But at times when the vet is down...
And others are misspent...
Along comes another day...
To remind us what we meant.

Maybe one day, soon to come...
Others will finally respect, and not resent...
That vets offered to give their lives...
And never thought about "percents".

But now the needy veteran will find them...
Only, not where they need to be.
They'll be found in the stores on merchandise...
And not on VA letters...to be.

"Give us 'percents' to equate our lives"...
Is what most vets are left to plead for.
The dignity is gone, the shame comes on...
The hopes are dashed and even bleed some.

When they're forced to play the games...
For what they were always promised,
It breaks their heart, crushes their spirit...
They're left to feel admonished.

But most will only die...
Sooner than should be...
They'd only like some hope...
To show their families.

So let's hear it for the vets!
And let's see it in the stores!
But let's hope we see it, real, genuine...
And a little "sincere" once more!