Just a Simple Veteran He was getting old and paunchy, and his health was failing  fast, And as he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past. Of the war that he had fought in, of the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, everyone. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for 'ol Bob has passed away, and the world's a little poorer, for a Veteran died today. No, he wasn't mourned by many, just his children and his wife, for he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'tho a Veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great. The papers tell of their life stories, from the time that they were young. But the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of this land, Some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, who in time of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives. While the ordinary Veteran who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension small. It's so easy to forget them, for it is so long ago, That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys went to battle, but we know. It was not the politician, with his compromise and ploy, Who won for us this freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand Would you really want some copout with his ever waffling hand, Or would you want a Veteran, who has sworn to defend, His home, his kin, and Country, and fight until the end? He's just a common Veteran and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, we find the Veterans's part Was to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor, while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days. Perhaps a simple headline in the paper that might say, Our Country is in Mourning, for a Veteran died today. If any information is not found to be public domail, please let me know immediately so that I may remove it.  Most of the information has been received by emails and articles from students and friends.