From the recordings MY AMERICA, VOL.1 and MY AMERICA, VOL.1
This song expresses two sentiments. First, take the time to thank a veteran for his/her service to this country. Second, teach that lesson to our children.
Lyrics
Words and music by Jimmy Flynn
© 2006 James R. Flynn
All Rights Reserved
IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
THEY GAVE US THEIR ALL, ALWAYS GIVE 'EM RESPECT.
THIS COUNTRY'S BRICK AND MORTAR
IS THEIR BLOOD AND SWEAT.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
I WAS A BOY ON VACATION,
MY DAD AND I IN WASHINGTON.
WE SAW THE SIGHTS UNDER SUN AND LIGHTS,
THEN WE DROVE TO ARLINGTON.
IT WAS THERE MY DAD TOOK ME BY THE HAND
AND SAID, "SON, THERE'S A REASON WHY
I BROUGHT YOU HERE TODAY ON MEMORIAL DAY".
THEN HE SAID THESE WORDS WITH A TEAR IN HIS EYE:
"SON, IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
THEY GAVE US THEIR ALL, ALWAYS GIVE 'EM RESPECT.
THIS COUNTRY'S BRICK AND MORTAR
IS THEIR BLOOD AND SWEAT.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET."
NOW I'M A MAN ON VACATION
MY BOY AND I ON HAWAIIAN ISLES.
WE SAW THE SIGHTS UNDER SUN AND LIGHTS.
WE SHARED LAUGHS THEN BROKEN SMILES.
FOR THESE HALLOWED GROUNDS ECHO BATTLE SOUNDS
I SAID, "SON, THERE'S A REASON WHY
I BROUGHT YOU HERE TODAY ON PEARL HARBOR DAY
JUST TO SAY THESE WORDS WITH A TEAR IN MY EYE:
"SON, IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
THEY GAVE US THEIR ALL, ALWAYS GIVE 'EM RESPECT.
THIS COUNTRY'S BRICK AND MORTAR
IS THEIR BLOOD AND SWEAT.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET."
MY BOY LOOKED AT ME AND SAID HE'LL NEVER FORGET
THE DAY I TAUGHT HIM ABOUT THANKING A VET.
HE SAID, "I'LL THINK OF YOU, DAD, AND THIS DAY WHEN I
TELL YOUR GRANDSON WITH A TEAR IN MY EYE:
"SON, IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
THEY GAVE US THEIR ALL, ALWAYS GIVE 'EM RESPECT.
THIS COUNTRY'S BRICK AND MORTAR
IS THEIR BLOOD AND SWEAT.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET."
IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
THEY GAVE US THEIR ALL, ALWAYS GIVE 'EM RESPECT.
THIS COUNTRY'S BRICK AND MORTAR
IS THEIR BLOOD AND SWEAT.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET.
THEY GAVE US THEIR ALL, ALWAYS GIVE 'EM RESPECT.
THIS COUNTRY'S BRICK AND MORTAR
IS THEIR BLOOD AND SWEAT.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, STOP.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, STOP.
SO IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, STOP AND
THANK A VET."