I was that which others did not want to be.
I went were others failed to go and did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly
accepted the thought of eternal loneliness . . . . If I should fail.
I have seen the face of terror: felt the stinging cold of fear;
and enjoyed the sweat taste of a moments love.
I have cried, pained and hoped . . . . but most of all, I have
lived times others would say were best forgotten.
At least someday, I will be able to say that I was proud of what
I was . . . . A Soldier.
George L. Skypeck
Vietnam Veteran
* * * *
This beautiful poem is inscribed on the black marble stone that is the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Monument Park, Buffalo New York. A photo of this
monument may be found HERE. Other photos of
this memorial may be found in the Buffalo Reunion Photo
Gallery.
