The Forgotten Soldier Of Nam

I remember now, when thinking of the past
Of the forgotten soldiers who went to Nam
Who in freedom's name, were sent to war
That many thought would never last

These soldiers embarked on foreign land
In the jungle of Nam I heard their name
I remember how they hurt
I remember their pain
Today I want to shake their hands

For these forgotten soldiers then
Left as boys and came back as men
They stay in my heart
For me at least, they left their mark

When they came home, no one cheered in line
No job could they even find,
They were not loved, though they gave their blood
For many thought what they did was wrong
Yet they did it for country, loud and strong

They could not vote, but were drafted to war
They tried their best to meet the call
Some traveled to different lands
So did not have to fight in freedom's name

But the forgotten soldiers who gave their all
Did not have a friend, who they could call
Now, many years later, let us remember them
Those who fought in Vietnam

© Linda Ann Henry © 2005

Written for a soldier, who asked me to write
about the forgotten men and woman in Vietnam.
Being the people's poet, I could do no less. Also

for my brother, Michael, who came back a