THE VETERANS
Cheers to the men in blazers with their memories of old,
Proudly wearing badges and tributes of the bold,
They belong to different units from the forces or the sea,
They stood-fast for their country and the likes of you and me.
You will sight them at the squares and the cenotaph parades,
And standing to attention by the British Legion graves,
You will see them selling tickets for the charities involved,
And travelling round in coaches for reunions in the cold.
You will see them in Toc H and the battle fields of France,
Or performing gentle two-steps at a military dance,
You will spot them socialising – propping up the bar,
In fact you’ll spot them anywhere in places near and far.
They are a little older, than when they served their time,
The ranks may be a little crooked when they march or stand in line,
Many are sprouting hair from their noses and the ears,
But also that’s what happens when your getting on in years.
You may see the standard bearer showing off the colours,
At the van of stalwarts – all his band of brothers,
Their pedigree is noted while standing ramrod straight,
Boots and medals gleaming with a beret on the pate
Some are grumpy grand-dads but most have a welcome smile,
But all remember comrades that forged an extra mile,
So when you meet a veteran with a badge upon his cap,
Bid a fond `good-day` to him – he may salute you back.
Thanks to RB & AO
