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| My Salute To Veterans |
| I am not a Vietnam Vet, but I have many friends who are, and my Father served three Tours, two voluntarily. I also know many vets who have been scarred by other battles our country has fought for the sake of Democracy. I am a Veteran, none the less, injured in bootcamp by an injection into my sciatic nerve that now requires me to use both a cane and a wheel chair. I am fighting another form of battle after serving two years in the Navy. I gave willingly to be there in times of need, and now find my own country turning it's back on me and others who were injured protecting their freedoms. Please, let the veterans around you know how appreciated they are. So often the veterans are the forgotten minority...and that hurts. Always remember...Freedom is Not Free. |
| This poem has more meaning for me and some of my veteran friends since the war in Iraq...as once again we question why we were called upon to fight. I think, now more than ever, we realize that we as a nation have become a model for other societies around the world. This is a large burden to carry. So please, read on and understand that Freedom Is Not Free... And to my friend, Earl, you know this was a gift to you so long ago. I can never forget the reason I wrote it. Hugs to you, my Friend. Whisp of Smoke, let me be... Embittered smoke, set me free, Untie these bonds you've placed on me. I can no longer stand your smell, Choking me with pain that wells, So deep within, strangling me. Tell me Smoke, how can it be... That I am here, entwined with you, When I was home, my life was new? What battle now engages us, Creating such utter chaos? Our hearts do blend, our anger ebbs, but to what do we owe such unrest? The battle gone, yet you remain, From my mind, will you refrain, from stories now tha haunt me so, Of Sins of Battle, long ago. My dreamless nights, my fitful pain, You placed on me, to forever remain. You haunt me so, you hear my screams, From within the night, I dare not dream. For in those dreams, you seem to rule, Wrapping me a jester's fool. I fought for freedom, so that others could be, In a land, led by "Democracy". And for all I saw, one thing prevailed, Battle's wounds, your smokey hell, Surrounds all I know, and all I am, Clouding everything... as only Smoke can. Reanna Noel copyright 2000 |
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| All of the military graphics on this page were borrowed from Doc whose amazing efforts are not gone unnoticed. Thank you Doc. Please visit his page with the link below. |
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| This is me in uniform....I served with pride and with Honor. Dates of Service: 28 OCT 1996- 19 Jan 1999 Medical Discharge. |
| Photo taken by Retired Marine Staff Sargeant Clark J. Wilson on Sept 08, 2001 |
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| Artwork copyright of Marty Bell. Used with permission. Please do not take his artwork from my pages out of respect to the Artist. Click on the logo to the left to go directly to his site. Thank you, Rhea Noel |
| This page was created with graphics from Dream Work Designs. Please click on the logo to the right to visit their site and see the entire collection. They are wonderful creators and Artists. Thank you, Rhea Noel |
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| Feel free to email me with comments and suggestions. Thank you, Rhea Noel |
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