Towards the middle of the century passed
Our youth marched off to war
They heard the call of leaders wise
And obeyed from near and far
Not knowing what the cost might be
To take this awful trek
They heeded the call as their dads had done
Their service so to make.
Confusion filled their youthful souls
And fear,it’s brother too
But strengthened by their great resolve
They obeyed what they were told to do
When they had served their time in hell
And made their journey home
Anxious to see the ones they loved
Their duty finally done
Friends were lost in that sad time
They’d seen things you shouldn’t behold
But seeing their country once again
Filled their hearts and kept them bold
But when they set their feet on this fine land
Their joy was turned to awe
As neighbors called them awful names
And scorched their feelings raw
For fifty years they’ve held their peace
And turned their pain inside
Until this time in our history
When we can look on them with pride
Today we know the need we have
For our soldiers to guard our land
And praise all those young, brave souls
Who always raise their hand
So find a warrior old or young
And let them know you care
Of the sacrifice they made for us
Of courage all too rare
So finally know you elder vets
We finally know your worth
We’ll stand and give the honor you deserve
For as long as we share this earth
Now take delight in our thankfulness
See how worthy you truly are
For as tardy as our praise might be
You earned it in that war
