Editor's note: The following is a poem written by Robert Flanagan, of Bridgewater, in tribute to American veterans.
Tarnished Liberty
O Lady Liberty, what do you see
as dawn's early light gleams
on bloodstained earth
and tiny flags aflutter on fresh graves?
Was it worth
their artificial limbs
and traumatic memories?
Why don't the shrapnel tokens deep
within our wounded bring
due honor and respect?
O Lady Liberty, have we all
betrayed our veterans?
Why are they on wait lists
while tears stream on gallant cheeks?
Have we walked on their medals
in this land they keep free?