A forgotten veteran

One day after spending all day in a boring office, I was driving home.
I noticed a man sitting by the road who appeared to be struggling.
I gave the figure little thought because my lonely life was stuck in a rut.
He was just another panhandler offering a gleaming tin cup.

However, there was something unusual about this scene.
His previous camouflaged fatigues belonged to an American marine.
He sat tall, proud, and upright in his wheelchair with no legs hanging off of it.
Numerous ribbons gave proof of the best knight in America.

Approached the weird man who was seated there and what was left of him.
No other people nearby; it was just the two of us and the gloomy atmosphere.
He watched each car stop in fear of missing a coin or, God forbid, a bill that would fall into his cup. He had unruly hair and a shaggy beard.

I was horrified to see that a fake hand was holding the cup.
On the other hand, one eye was blind and one ear had been amputated.
He gave me a kind nod and tipped his military hat.
As he did, I noticed that most of his scalp was covered with scars.

Asked how life took him to this fork in the road of life.
was sent to "play in the sand" on that land after boot camp.
"Sir," he responded, "since high school, my greatest aim has been to serve my nation.
One night as I was fighting with my friends, an IED went off in my Jeep.

"I struggled to breathe in the smoke and flames, feeling as though my life was slipping away.
I realized my right arm was missing and could hardly see or hear.
I had severe bleeding from my brain and was unable to feel my left hand or legs.
I pleaded with God to let me perish in Afghanistan's desert.

"Said soldier, it's your legs, I have to amputate, I have no choice," the corpsman said, tears streaming down his face.
You hold on, Marine; I applaud you, gallant American knight. There are more injuries, we have to move quickly, and helicopters are on our right.

The goosebumps that raced up and down my spine grew colder as he continued to speak.
Selfishness and carelessness revealed a depraved mind.
My soul had been poisoned by self-pity, self-indulgence, and surrender.
He is 10 feet tall on my honor roll and has been changed by the man without legs.

Maybe the next time we see a soldier at the mall or on the street, we can honor and applaud them for their service and sacrifice so that we can live in freedom.
Guards of freedom's light include the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines.
Thankful for the valiant American knights who wore the uniform.