PHONE:  999-999-9999     FAX:  999-999-9999     EMAIL:  MARINES@MCLTN.ORG The Bobby Ray Detachment Marine Corps League - McMinnville, Tennessee NOTHING MORE THAN A VETERAN I was not drafted, I signed up myself.  To serve and protect my country from hell.  From so many threats with so few regrets.  No longer a boy or a civilian but a Veteran standing tall.  I never  fired a shot during war, I never stood at deaths door.  I was never fired upon, I never served in combat, nor was I injured nor died no honours or scores. When my time in service was no more, there was no purple heart, no medal of honor, no  reception, no celebration, nor parade.  I served my country, I am happy I give.  And therefore I am, Now just a Veteran they say.  I won't take honor from those who gave.  In time of war the scared and the brave.  I won't wear medals that were never gave.  I could not understand the ignorance of such, how this country had forgotten, the lives that were lost.  People come up to me on the street and say, Happy Memorial Day I hear with despair.   How could they forget all of those graves?  I respond with anger, with frustration and regret.   Why are you thanking me, I was only a Veteran.  You never enter a memorial, a shrine, or a grave.  No respect, no honor, no integrity have you gave.  To remember those whose lives were lost.   How could you forget how high that cost.  I served my country and therefore I am, nothing more than a Veteran.  Here I still stand  watching once more, as our nation once again will have to pay more.  So next time you forget  what memorial means, take more than a just a moment to figure out what it means.  For those who died in trenches and ravines, in some foreign land they took a stand.  So while you celebrate with family and friend by the score, never even stopping to recognize the score.  You owe them your freedom, your honor and respect.  So on memorial day you need to pay them respect. Cpl Ricket USMC, Veteran ADVERTISING SPACE COMING SOON (PLEASE CHECK BACK) CLICK HERE FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRES LEST WE FORGET THE ARMY GUARDS THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER WHERE MARINES TOO ARE REMEMBERED