A Grateful Heart on Veterans Day By:Jim Gandolf

A Grateful Heart on Veterans Day 

Poem

USA

By:Jim Gandolf

©️11112025

The eleventh day of the eleventh month returns,

A time to pause, a time where deep gratitude burns.

It isn't just a date upon the page,

But hallowed ground upon the world's great stage.

I think of those I hold so very dear,

Who faced the duty, conquering all fear;

My own beloved kin, my trusted friends,

Whose service story never truly ends.

From distant lands beneath a foreign sun,

To quiet posts when the day's work is done,

They stood for freedoms that we freely keep,

While others watch and while the weary sleep.

I see the discipline, the steadfast grace,

The willingness to stand within the breach and face

Whatever came—the challenge, pain, or strife,

To guard the precious, fragile gift of life.

The uniforms they wore, now folded neat,

Hold memories of marching, dust, and heat.

But more than fabric, they hold lessons learned:

Of honor given, and of respect well earned.

So today, I look at each of you and smile,

Knowing the cost of every hard-won mile.

Your sacrifice is felt in all we do,

In every joy and peace that sees us through.

This Veterans Day, the flag flies high and true, United States of America.

A simple, yet profound, "Thank You" for all you do, and have done.

Jim Gandolf 

Note:

For my Grandfather’s, Father, Uncles, Sisters, Brothers, and friends of my family & your family.

For the unknown soldiers that have kept us free.