Forgiveness Is Not Being Asked

As a Veteran
I am Writing
this poem
In response
to those
who think
they understand
What We Have Been 
Through

First of All
You were
Not
There
You
Did
Not
Serve
So your
Understanding
is not
needed
Nor
has it been
requested
For
What I did
was part 
of my duty 
to serve.

My senior year
of University
Sadamn
decided
to invade
Kuwait
I ran to
the recruiter's
Office
and as
a Patriot
Enlisted
Knowing
full
well
that it
was part
of
my duty
to serve

During my tour
I saw
things
did things
and experienced
things
that I choose
not to repeat
as it was part
of my duty
to serve

I nor many of 
my fellow
veterans
do not
regret
that we
put country
before
our sanity
Because
it was part
of my duty
to serve

So when a fellow
writer
decides
to write
about
pins being put 
on our chest
and the turmoil
we felt
in seeing death
around us
yet never
served
My response
is 
I need not
your forgiveness
nor understanding
as 
It was
by foremost
my Duty
to serve.........................