Thank You Dear Dad

Thank you dear Dad for answering the call
Your bravery in World War II helped America stand tall
My generation doesn't even understand
What your generation did for our land

How you left…mere boys of eighteen
To go fight at places yet unseen
To experience horror, pain and fear
And yet you went
To fight for everything America held dear

You went without even asking why
You went knowing you could possibly die
Dear Dad, you should be honored every day
And yet you never mention it

Do you remember it in your heart?
Are you proud that you did your part?
World War II men possess strengths
That my generation doesn't even know
Quiet bravery, courage & unity against a common foe

You were tested in countless ways untold
Yet you marched forth in battle, proud and bold
You saw stories that are too awful to recall
You saw your fellow soldiers and friends fall

Then, you came back, married, raised a family
Built a country too, now prosperous and free
Time marched on…steady and true
And now 50 years later, we still remember you

You are grandfather's now and your hair is gray
You'll always be our hero, for you led the way
To a country where my children play
Strong and free every single day

The trials you endured
The things you saw
They know not the cost
Nor the friends you lost

But we will teach them the lessons,
You taught with your lives
About courage and dignity and the Will to survive
About the great ideal of democracy
About the price you paid To live in the "the home of the free"

So thank you dear Dad
I can't express it enough
I appreciate you for being so tough

Thank you, dear Dad for being so strong
Thank you, dear Dad for standing up against wrong
You'll always be my hero and America's too
We will always be indebted to you

Thanks for going long ago
Thanks for securing this blessed life I know
Thanks for fighting to keep us free
Thanks for saving the future for me

- Anne Dunajcik