Veterans Day Quotes and Poems: A Reflection & Honor
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” Abraham Lincoln
Veterans Day Quotes and Poems: A Reflection & Honor
Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have worn this nation’s uniform and to honor their service. Tammy Duckworth
I am so grateful for the service our veterans have given to our country. These men and women put their lives on the line for our safety and security, and we need to honor their service and our commitment to them. Conner Eldridge
Confidence… thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live. Franklin D. Roosevelt
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy
Every good citizen makes his country’s honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it. Andrew Jackson
Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. Douglas MacArthur
Whenever the world makes you cynical; whenever you seek true humility, and true selflessness—look to a veteran. Barack Obama
VETERANS DAY: Every November 11, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and quiet strength of the men and women who have worn the uniform. Today, we recognize the service, resilience, and dedication of the veterans in our workplaces and communities. Stepping forward to protect our freedoms requires tremendous commitment, and we owe a lasting debt of gratitude to both those who served and the families who supported them at home.
Above and below, I’m sharing a Veterans Day reflection along with meaningful quotes and poems that remind us what this day is truly about. Sometimes, the simplest words capture the deepest gratitude. As we reflect and recognize our veterans of the United States Armed Forces, whether they served during times of peace or conflict, at home or far across the globe, let’s remember why our veterans stepped forward to protect the freedoms we experience every day. Cheryl Dyson’s short poem is a poignant and beautiful reminder.
Veterans Day – Poem by Cheryl Dyson
On Veterans Day we honor all,
Who answered to a service call.
Soldiers young, and soldiers old,
Fought for freedom, brave and bold.
Some have lived, while others died,
And all of them deserve our pride.
We’re proud of all the soldiers who
Kept thinking of red, white, and blue.
They fought for us and all our rights,
They fought through many days and nights.
And though we may not know each name,
We thank ALL veterans just the same. Via Macaronikid
Still A Soldier by Timothy Emmons
I lay here today a soldier
I know some don’t understand
I will try to explain
So maybe you can
I served my country
For many a year
I retired long ago
The soldier still here
I put on my uniform
I wore it to foreign lands
The soldier I was
Is still in the man
I have been a husband, father, and friend
To some of you here
But I’ve been a soldier all along
Even after so many a year
My final salute
I render today
I’m still a soldier
I’m just on my way
Copyright © 2015 Timothy Emmons Via PoetrySoup.com
“America’s veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world.” John Doolittle
Veterans Day Quotes and Poems: A Reflection & Honor
Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day. Charles B. Rangel
The battle of life is, in most cases, fought uphill; and to win it without a struggle were perhaps to win it without honor. If there were no difficulties there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing to be achieved. Samuel Smiles
No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave. Calvin Coolidge
Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran doesn’t have that problem. Ronald Reagan
But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye. Thomas Dunn English
The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. Benjamin Disraeli
Without heroes, we are all plain people, and don’t know how far we can go. Bernard Malamud
There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer. General Jimmy Doolittle
Veterans Day, also known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in the Commonwealth, is a time when we gather to honor those who fought wars so the rest of us could have world peace. We honor men and women who stood up and took enormous risks so the rest of us can sleep in peace. While some might think it’s ironic to see peace as a goal of war, it is appropriate to encourage all to actively seek peace on this special day: both inner and outer peace.
As we remember those who fought bravely to keep us safe, we must use this opportunity to decide what peace means to us, determine how we can maintain peace in the world, and then dig deep within for our own version of the same. Every day, we owe a debt of gratitude not only to those who served, but also to the military families who stood beside them at home. To every veteran and military family in our community and beyond, we thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your dedication.”
Inscription by Herman Melville 1819 –1891
For Marye’s Heights, Fredericksburg
To them who crossed the flood
And climbed the hill, with eyes
Upon the heavenly flag intent,
And through the deathful tumult went
Even unto death: to them this Stone—
Erect, where they were overthrown—
Of more than victory the monument. via poets.org
Eyes of Blue by Arlene Smith
A people persecuted beyond imagination;
To help them he felt was his obligation.
He joined the army in World War II;
Not knowing his hell would be Eyes of Blue.
When he reached Normandy, the beaches were red.
Crawling over his brothers who lay already dead.
To give this tyrant, this devil his due;
Not knowing his own demons, would be Eyes of Blue.
He rounded a building securing a town;
A young German soldier was coming round.
He plunged his bayonet, the quicker of the two;
Killing the young soldier, with Eyes of Blue.
He knelt beside him with tears in his eyes;
How long this moment would last, he did not realize.
He closed his eyes as he thought he should do;
Thinking never again to see those Eyes of Blue.
The victor over many in Germany and Japan;
It was always difficult taking life from a man.
None would haunt him, this he now knew;
As long as the soldier, with Eyes of Blue.
He died an old man, to heaven he went;
For this honorable soldier, mercy was sent.
First time since the war, so sad but true;
A peaceful sleep, not seeing Eyes of Blue.
Eyes of Blue Written by Arlene Smith
Copyright © 2015 Arlene Smith Via PoetrySoup.com
“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” Dan Lipinski
Veterans Day Quotes and Poems: A Reflection & Honor
The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Jeff Miller
While only one day of the year is dedicated solely to honoring our veterans, Americans must never forget the sacrifices that many of our fellow countrymen have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms. Randy Neugebauer
The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. Judd Gregg
Lord, bid war’s trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace. Oliver Wendell Holmes
Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. Dwight D. Eisenhower
How do we honor those who served courageously? I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: one thing that stands out to me on Veterans Day is the spirit of gratitude many people express toward our servicemen and women. Our gratitude must be followed by concrete action to help those in need. Find out through your local channels if a Veteran in your community needs help, then do something to make a difference. Be motivated to help when/where needed this season. My prayer is that we all remember to give thanks for the blessings of freedom and peace we enjoy. Let us add Peace and Service to the top of our special list of gifts we plan to share with family, friends, and ultimately, with the world throughout this holiday season. May peace prevail in our hearts. What does this day mean to you? How do you honor Veterans Day? Thank you!
In Flanders Fields By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. via PoetryFoundation
Invisible: co-written by Paul Callus & Carolyn Devonshire
Clad in rags, he wanders on Wall Street
he is invisible to hustling stock brokers
he is a man with no money, no property
a hapless struggler of excessive loan burdens
bitter winter winds blow across Broadway
he is invisible to affluent theatre-goers wearing warm winter coats
he is a man who watches them scurry past the cardboard box that is his bed
like a rain-dog, huddling in the shadows of alleys and doorways
he hears deafening explosions of New Year fireworks
he is invisible to the revellers
he is a man who cowers, recalling gunfire of a war he fought
echoing through his mind in restless nights
the incessant thumping of traumatic stress
he is invisible…a victim of post-Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq
who once bore a uniform and served his country with pride
he is invisible, suffering alone, paying the price
through severe disabilities and permanent scars
with sadness, he watches voters going to the polls
he is invisible, a veteran with no voice in elections
he is a man who cannot vote without an “address”
a placard on a pavement might catch the eye
unemployed, homeless, unseen
but most of all forgotten
he is a man who seems invisible
but he is still a man
This is Invisible: co-written by Paul Callus & Carolyn Devonshire
in remembrance of our war veterans. Copyright © 2015 Paul Callus Via PoetrySoup.com
Positive Motivation Tip: On Veterans Day, it is important to examine what war and peace mean to us, and work hard to ensure our children grow up in a world that is at peace with each other.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: Veterans Day Poster Download, VD Poster, via Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
