Snowy Woods

[Mortimer]

War Poem
Because You Were There
© By Jim Harrison

You went away so long ago, to a place you'd never been
To lend a hand of help & strength to those with too few friends.

Though many times it was so hard for me to understand
why you were among the chosen to defend another's land.....

In time I came to realize and grow in admiration
of the love and courage you generously gave

to help protect and serve our nation.
More times than I can now recall, words of thanks were seldom heard.

And even though it hurt you sore, your devotion to us never swerved.
You truly bore the call to duty as a badge of honor & gratitude

It's as if somehow you were saying 'Thanks'
to those who loved and protected you.

So many have stood across the years,
went to serve but could not come home.....

They gave their all and even more,
So peace and freedom more could know.

So, for me, 1 day a year's not enough
to tell you all how much we care.....

How much we love, admire and honor you all
for we all know.....

We're all here because you were there.
'Inspired by and in humble recognition of all Veterans

every soldier, sailor, Marine, pilot, serviceman and
servicewoman, medic, nurse, and so on,

who gave and those who continue to give,
themselves on behalf of others.

In deepest admiration and love for you all,
James E. Harrison

saved by the grace of God, April 17, 1977
honored to be an American since July, 1957