Memorial Day 2026. I recently wrote this song without thinking of Memorial Day, but here it is and the lyrics are appropriate.

I was born just as the Korean War started. My father, who served in the Marines during World War 2, was called back to active duty, leaving my mother at home with a newborn. She said she would never forgive the government for that, but I’m sure she did. Less than 20 years later, I served in Vietnam during that war. 

Image generated in Adobe Firefly by Scooter Smith. 

My daddy fought in Okinawa – My grandpa at the Marne
I went to South Vietnam – I guess just to live and learn
My son got sent to Kuwait – Then again to Iraq
But when his hitch was over – They sent him right back

Hey, capricious politicians
Can’t you learn something from history?
Hey, you power mad patricians
You are lost – on the road to glory

My brothers sweat in jungles – Freeze their feet on frozen plains
In war there is no winner – Can’t help but feel their pain
There are no more good battles – The powerful just want more
So they sacrifice the brave – In meaningless war

Have I given in to anger? – Have I just gone mad?
Is there a reason to sing this song – When all it says has been said?
Yes, I finally realized – My obligation for getting gray
Somehow I lived when others died – So the fallen can have their say

Here’s what they say:

Hey, capricious politicians
Can’t you learn something from history?
Hey, you power mad patricians
You are lost – on the road to glory