Military Women’s Memorial- VA’s Mission to Serve All Who Served
March 16th. Air Force Colonel (RET.) Lisa Carrington Firmin’s poem, “Invisible Veteran” read by Marine Corps Veteran Jennifer Esparza
Invisible Veteran
By Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin, USAF Ret
Do you see me?
You look beyond me and speak as if I am not even here
But I am standing right in front of you
Do you see me?
You acknowledge the male veteran next to me with your gratitude and respect
But you ignore my service and sacrifice
Do you see me?
You assume I’m someone’s wife, daughter, sister, mother or grandmother
But I served too
Do you see me?
You revert to your default setting that only men are warriors
But I am a combat veteran who is also a woman
Do you see me?
You downplay my contribution, unaware that women serve
But my sacrifice and valor were equal to or greater than some men
Do you see me?
You force me to work at gaining your respect
But haven’t I already earned that?
Do you see me?
You still fail to identify or recognize me, I wonder if it is deliberate or ignorance
But my invisibility as a woman vet speaks volumes, are you listening?