I would like to thank you,
As I rise to meet the day.
For the songs of birds and sunshine’s kiss,
And the gift of getting gray.
I would like to thank you,
For the gentle breeze I feel.
The scarred legs that carry me to work,
And how you helped them heal.
I would like to thank you,
For the children in my life.
The memories of their growing years,
I share with my loving wife.
I would like to thank you,
For the grandkid’s that abound.
How they like to sit on grandpa’s lap,
And the joy they bring around.
I would like to thank you,
For the sacrifice you made.
How you left your friends and family,
When you could have easily stayed.
I would like to thank you,
For the men you kept alive.
From treating wounds to giving hope,
Your the reason they survive.
I would like to thank you,
For the time you spent crying.
And the grief carried deep inside,
For all the soldiers dying.
I would like to thank you,
For the nights you didn’t sleep.
And the horrible things you had to see,
Without the time to weep.
I would like to thank you,
For the nightmares you may see.
The smells that haunt your memory,
From which you can’t be free.
I would like to thank you,
For the guts to volunteer.
The selfless service to your country,
Is why we hold you dear.
So, I just want to thank you,
It?s the proper thing to do.
For all the dads and granddads,
Who are alive because of you.