I served the United States of America br The home of the brave and free br And gladly took my father's place br In the tradition of our history. br br Like my father before me br I served proud and stood tall br Next, my son raised his right hand br And was committed to the call. br br Brave young men and women br Stand ready to fight br And defend to the death br Our Constitutional Rights. br br The tremendous pride I feel, br The swell in my heart br When our beautiful song br Stars Spangeled Banner starts. br br From the top of my head to the tips of my toes br A veteran is who I always will be br From my thoughts in my mind to the love in my heart br Veterans are the reason we're free. br br The next time you see a veteran, br Active duty, retired, or disabled vet br Tell him or her how proud you are br To be an American, or better yet, br br The next time you see a soldier, br Tell him thanks, extend your hand. br That uniform is made from our flag br It deserves the respect it demands.