The Last Vietnam Veteran
Died Today
(The Year 2045)
A Poem
By
Robert A. Chapin
Copyright 1984
Smashwords Edition
The last Vietnam veteran died today
At one hundred and four years they say
A mindless shell of his former self
In a nursing home both tucked away
He enlisted in the 1966
Eager to defend his nation’s pride
He was lean and mean - a fighting machine
Now we prepare for his final ride
Back when he was young and well-groomed
Forfeiting college for a military hat
He proudly returned from an unpopular war
Only to endure when demonstrators spat
Congress echoes: “America is not at war”
And they sprayed to “kill mosquitoes” by day
But now wasted and withered with 32 pills
Agent Orange was the chemical spray
He fought gallantly at Khe Sahn
The A Shau Valley and Hamburger Hill
A Medal of Honor recipient
In lands that never lay still
He was a doctor, a lawyer, a janitor
Witness to the overwhelming firepower
Later considered hopeless and mindless
In his final days a wilted flower
But, he was not a crazy Vietnam Vet
In those lonely and final hours
Surrounded by his family and friends
America lost a once vibrant flower
Yes, the last Vietnam Veteran died today
As Arlington prepares for his keep
And the caisson moves with precision
In God’s care will he peacefully sleep
Three Fighting Men
A Poem
By
Robert A. Chapin
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1983
Smashwords Edition
When you gaze into their watchful eyes
You will see someone you have known
Three Fighting Men stand sentry
On this sacred and hallowed ground
You see their youth and feel their pride
Painful years have come to pass
Thank you for our brothers in bronze Mr. Hart
It must be our nation’s last!
Now listen to what they are saying
You have fought where they have been
As the wind whistles around their mouths
We’ve been to hell and back again
Listen again as you stand at their feet
It’s America you hear and she’s sighing
There was a time not long ago
Few cared for the dead and the dying
They will touch your heart and make you proud
These three in their final rest
Three Fighting Men standing sentry
Representing America’s best
Turn from them and feel The Wall
Before long - more will be dying
But we’ve come to thank the thousands
And America is finally crying
A father’s hand caresses the name
Of his only son lost in youth
A mother looks up with tear swollen eyes
And bears witness to the horrible truth
Meanwhile up on Capitol Hill
Within sight of the Memorial Wall
With continued debate - they contemplate
Who shall die when the next government falls!
The Vietnam Unknown
By
Robert A. Chapin
This poem was written in memory of The Vietnam Unknown following interment in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on May 28, 1984.
However, Department of Defense scientists determined that bone fragments contained identifiable DNA and the body was that of First Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie, United States Air Force and exhumed on May 11, 1998. At the request of the family Lt. Blassie was buried on July 11, 1998 with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.
When originally buried in the crypt of The Tomb of the Unknowns, Lieutenant Blassie was awarded The Medal of Honor, as authorized by Congress to all Unknowns.
Following his removal from Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon stripped Lieutenant Blasse of the Medal of Honor. His family however, disputed the decision - their reason being that he was awarded the Medal of Honor while an Unknown.
The Vietnam Unknown
A Poem
By
Robert A. Chapin
Copyright 1984
Smashwords Edition
The caisson moves with precision
To the tap of the drummer’s drone
How many mothers will cry out tonight
Their lost child has finally come home
The limbless wheelchair soldiers
Have come to witness these final hours
Among them the hopeless and mindless
Others stand like wilted flowers
The journey was made with great pain in their hearts
As they eagerly pressed into place.
They have come by the hundreds of thousands
To enshrine him on America’s face
To a father now silver and weathered
Sadly burdened through a decade of test
He must know that his heart should be lightened
Accounted for…and peacefully at rest
To a mother who knows deep in her heart
After years of sadness and grief
This solemn precession unlocks her mind
She begins to resolve in belief
To the siblings the Unknown Veteran
Who have cried for his gentle hand
Open your mind and search your heart
He is at rest on this hallowed land
To an America filled with gratitude
As we place him in honored rest
The Vietnam unknown soldier
Lives in all who knew him best
Only God knows the Unknown’s name
Now, in his eternal keep
For those who have missing sons tonight
Close your eyes and peacefully sleep!
The Wall
A Poem
By
Robert A. Chapin
Copyright 1983
Smashwords Edition
This poem is one of the most popular ever written about The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was originally displayed in The White House in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. As a result of the media exposure, The Wall has sold in excess of 150,000 copies.
It is offered here to you free of charge. The enclosed poems are copyrighted and reproduction for the purpose of resale is strictly prohibited and written permission is required.
Please send your request to Robert A. Chapin , 4140 Bayhead Drive, Bonita Springs, Fl 34134.
The Wall
When you gaze upon the granite wall
And fix your eyes upon the name
You will see the one for who you call
When he died in Americas shame
You can see his young and frightened face
See the awesome firepower
How do you tell a Gold Star Mother
She has lost her blooming flower?
When you listen to the granite wall
You hear their cries of death and pain
How we tried to comfort them
Only God knows if they died in vain
You can also hear your congressman
“America is not at war”
With 58,000+ who lost their lives
If no war what did they die for?
Take a step and touch The Wall
Find the name you know so well
You have no voice, you cannot hear
As your tears begin to well
It has been too long for the names to appear
A token sign points the wa.
Tell me America what is your fear?
Is it more fiery thunder on a not too distant day!
Now speak as one so loud and clear
A message to those on the Hill
Must you persist to bury our sons
In lands that never lay still?
The Vietnam veteran has a painful heart
Memories that refuse to fade
We also served proudly - in time of need
But the Iranian hostages had the parade!