Yesterday was Veterans Day
There were parades
And people thanked me for my service
There were deals and meals all over town
If I wanted to pursue them
But I stayed home
To me yesterday will always be Armistice Day
The wars of my lifetime simply do not compare
And while every person who served is valuable
Some sacrificed more than others
When I dwell on this I feel guilty
Perhaps it is best to know that yesterday was Remembrance Day
Now that is an idea that I can get behind
Spending time in votive contemplation
On those who sacrificed all
But Americans do that in May as we memorialize the loss
So, what can we do with Veterans Day?
We must make each day a day to be grateful
For all that we have
And a memorial to all that we lost along the way
Yesterday was Veterans Day
But today I look at my bundle of silk, paper, and plastic poppies
Collected over the years
And I realize the power of remembrance.