This is reposted from last year. Sadly, not much has changed…
defined: noun, a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered.
Yesterday, we drove through
small town north Georgia.
Lining the streets were white
crosses, each one with an
American flag and a name
and war written on it.
Each one is remembered.
The veteran stands –the only 
one –for the flag when it
passes in the parade, the
names of fallen comrades
in his head outnumber the
tears he can cry.
He remembers.
We fire up the grills, make sure
there are beer and brats,
celebrate summer’s start
and a day off.
Do we remember?
The politicians expect sacrifice
without understanding the concept,
then cut veteran’s benefits, demeaning
their service, belittling their importance,
forgetting freedom must be fought for.
They, surely, do not remember.
Awakened Words 