Yesterday's Heroes

Yesterday's Heroes
14 Sept 2012

Men of World War Two,
Called the Greatest Generation,
Did what they had to do
Earning eternal veneration.
After coming home, they bought bungalows
With master bedrooms, picture windows,
Sliding glass doors and backyard patios.
Everyone started watching TV shows.
Those fighting GI Joes
Are yesterday's heroes.

Fighting in the jungles of Viet Nam
Was schizophrenic and unpredictable,
At times there was confusion and bedlam.
Many media stories were contradictable.
The men came home to stereos,
Women wearing pantyhose,
Muscle cars, paisley clothes
And eating sloppy joes.
Alas, today's John Does
Are yesterday's heroes.