They Paid The Price

In the parameters of history
I would like to say a prayer
Although not tied to any denomination
I hope I have enough flair
To describe my sense of respect
For those who fought so brave
In the conflict that haunted many
Some even to their graves
For I know may pop was lucky
In a conflict that came before
Just before Korea started
He made it out of the army door
But Vietnam was problematic
Tragic in what it cost
Even those who came back
Scares so deep that they were lost
Even though I was too young for service
I had friends who went at that time
The words don't easily come
When describing their states of mind
A few are totally mute
Can't access those too painful thoughts
Or the greeting upon returning
Surely not what they thought
For maybe I would have protested
But not in a manner that put them down
For the beef was with the president
Whose judgment wasn't sound
So to my countrymen with tours of duty
That to took them to that Asian place
I have nothing but respect for you
May your lives be now filled with grace