His hair was long and turning gray, his body bent and lean
In his mind he still had scars, from all the things he'd seen
His head was full of memories, a man should never know
History had a hold on him, and wouldn't let him go

Some say he was a hermit, some say he lost his mind
Others say he stayed away, away from all mankind
Whatever the reason, he chose to stay away
He always made his way to town, every Veterans Day

(chorus)
And we still have a big parade, every Veterans Day
To honor those who give their all, and sacrifices made
So let's respect the memories, of those who fight and die
Lay your hand upon your heart, and watch Ol' Glory fly

He didn't come to protest, this countries latest war
Soldier fighting soldier, yes, he'd been there before
Memories of the battlefield, that never went away
A promise to a dying friend, he still kept today

They had fought for freedom, they had fought for pride
And he comes here every year, to honor those who died
Yes, he might look a little rough and he might dress in rags
But, he'll be walkin' tall today, cause he's carryin' our flag

(chorus)
And we still have a big parade, every Veterans Day
To honor those who give their all, and sacrifices made
So let's respect the memories, of those who fight and die
Lay your hand upon your heart, and watch Ol' Glory fly

Yes, Lay your hand upon your heart, and watch Ol' Glory fly