For the Vets

[donwinn]

I know that this site is about fishing in the GSMNP, but, as Daniel said, we would not be able to do so without the sacrifice of our brave Vets. Also, my dad was a Marine who served twice - the second time during Korea. He died 10 years ago Saturday. So, please allow me to post this tribute and thanks to those whose courage I cannot even comprehend.

Thank you.


A Simple Thanks

This morning I awoke with the morning sun
I pondered the day and the things to be done
I followed my routine and headed to work
My morning went off without a quirk

While driving to work, I began to ponder
How great life is in this land of wonder
We take for granted how great it is to be
Living a life here in the home of the free

Drifting to my sons and the joy they bring
Thinking of them lifts my soul to a ring
Then to the thought of my lovely wife
The essence of love, beauty of my life

Tonight I’ll lie down to rest and sleep
I’ll pray that the Lord my soul will keep
I’ll sleep so sound without any fear
I’ll wake up tomorrow with gladness and cheer

This freedom we have is not without cost
Let us not forget the lives that were lost
Their bravery was beyond what we can conceive
Their life was given liberty to achieve

Thank you for fighting for freedom for all
For risking everything to guard that wall
Generations will come and generations will go
But for the freedom we have, it’s you we all owe

Tonight when I lay down, I’ll say a prayer
That God will keep you in his care
That he’ll bring you home to this land of the free
So I may cheer you for fighting for my family and me


Don Winningham
3/27/03

[Bran]

That was beautiful. Thanks for the tribute on behalf of all veterans.--Bran

[TomW]

To those people who won't stand behind our troops, Feel free to stand in front of them!!!!!

[Paula Begley]

Don

Thank you for that touching tribute to the troops.

For those of you out there who are currently serving, or have done so in the past, I send you my heartfelt thanks. I am grateful every day for your service and your sacrifice on my behalf. God bless you all!

Paula

[Jswitow]

I probably wouldn't say it any better that Paula. But every day we roam the great nation of freedom and opportunity is due to the patriots who carry the banner and keep the watch. Thanks for sharing your poem.
And thanks to all the veterans.
Best,
John

[wmwalker]

I still remember serving my country during Thanksgiving and this is a real nice tribute.
http://www.cpmsglife.org/tg/2006tdm1.html

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wyatt