As read by Poet Laureate, Scott Pleasants, on November 11, 2026, Township of Teaneck Annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
Toy Soldiers
Let our duty be like that of a toy soldier
unbreakable
let our service be like that of a real soldier
committed
let our dedication be like that of a
young soldier
fixed in a position
and let our conscience be like
that of a seasoned veteran
guided yet flexible
within a beating heart
there is a concern held behind
the smile of a parent
within the curiousness
of a young son or daughter
a purposeful experience
evolves
toy soldiers and real soldiers
do have many things
in common
they can be held by our hand
and form a lifelong bond
their stories can be shared
passed through generations
and they can be
immortalized
as coming of age memories
let our military veterans be respected
within the innocence of our youth
and celebrated
in our words and acts of gratitude
somewhere there is a small child
playing with a toy soldier
a child who will grow up to serve this
country
with a resiliency that forever contains
their innocence
to serve this country
with a conscientious commitment
that is unbendable
to serve this country
with an appreciation that is
fixed in a position
a reasonable rationale to protect
and to honor the freedom and liberties
that we enjoy
sitting on the shoulders of a
commitment greater than themself
positioned with purposeful intent
just like a child
holding onto a toy soldier
C2026 Scott Pleasants
Thank you to Scott Pleasants for this meaningful poem.
On Veterans Day, may we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy or forget the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of the men and women who have served to protect them. Thank you to all of our Veterans for your service.
