Sunrise at Lake Lewisville
Photo by Richard Freeman

The sun peaks over the tree tops
As the anthem began to play.
My hand across my heart,
Today is Veteran's Day.

Ole Glory waving freely,
But not without a cost,
So many lives were taken,
So many Heroes lost.

My co-anglers all around me,
In our freedom played a part,
Fighting for our country,
Donna Jordan and Diana Clark,

These ladies are our heroes,
Their sacrifices made.
We enjoy our freedom
Because of these ladies today.

Each one risking their lives,
To fight on enemy lines,
Heroes on and off the water,
Sarah Augustine and Renee Brisendine,

Serving God and Country,
Protecting your family and mine,
God Bless America's Heroes,
Those like Carla Whitstine.

Without their dedication,
Without the sacrifices made,
We wouldn't be saying our anthem,
Or saluting our flag and pray.

 The director asks for silence
As we hang our heads to pray.
A tear rolls down my cheek
As I began to say:

Thank you to all the veterans,
Who for us stood up to fight.
Thank you to the veterans,
Who made liberty and peace for us tonight.

Thanks to the soldiers of two world wars.
Thanks to the soldiers of Guam.
God bless the men of Heartbreak Ridge.
Salute the soldiers of Nam.

Hail the soldiers of Desert Storm,
And the Soldiers that are left to fight.
But the soldiers that have lost their lives at war,
Is why I give silence tonight,

I then looked up at my father,
A warrior he is no more,
For now he is a hero,
Supporting us along the shore,

He limps with every step,
He served for Uncle Sam,
He was shot in 1970,
While serving his country in Nam,

 As I hear “ladies start your engines”,
In my heart I'm so proud to be,
fishing along side these heroes,
Who made America free.