A military veteran, I am not.
But I am thankful for every one we've got.

I am related to some which makes me very glad;
One happens to be my very own dad!

Cannot imagine leaving friends and family at such a young age to serve Uncle Sam.
Would it be peacetime or would the U.S. be in a jam?

This they didn't know when they signed the dotted line.
For this reason we have freedom - both yours and mine.

Think we need to remember what the flag truly means when we put her out to catch the wind's gentle breeze.
For many before us have fallen to give us a life of ease.

Do we really know the sacrifice they made for us?
Remember them the next time you get on a train, a plane, or a bus.

Ever attend a funeral for a veteran with the color guard there for their final tribute?
The echo of their guns makes the moment a proud kind of mute.

As you lay in your bed tonight and put your mind at ease;
Please remember the ones who fought for us - they are not that hard to please.

To the ones that never made it home, I am eternally grateful.
For without your dedication and service, my life seems rather dull.

We live in the greatest country that the world has to offer.
What do you want to be? A farmer, a banker, a golfer?

For only in the U.S. are you free to be what you want to be.
I'm grateful to be an American and that our veterans were there to protect us from sea to shining sea!

Thank You Veterans!
Sincerely,
Dan Rosonke
April 29, 2012

Rosonke home - Veterans' Day 2003

Ron McKay painting - honoring September 11, 2001

Fallen Heroes
Only the good Lord knows why he called you all home on that dreadful day.
His works are strange and mysterious; He wanted it this way.

Perhaps he didn't want to take you alone.
But, rather with your friends, who were also in the danger zone.

Yes, he took you in his hands the moment you got off the ladder
He couldn't stand to see you be any sadder.

As Lady Liberty provided the light to get you through the smoke and the haze,
tears ran down her cheek as up to heaven she did gaze.

With the World Trade Center still burning and crumbling from this terrible deed,
The grass in the distance was a beautiful green without a single weed.

September 11th, 2001 is a date we will never forget.

To all those who arrived to help-
We say Thanks
your heroism may never again be met.

Poem written by Dan Rosonke to accompany Ron McKay’s painting