Favorite Poem?

I read this poem every year and thought I'd lost it forever. It was first given to me by a student and I am very honored and grateful to share it for Veteran's Day, but also for every day.

HE SAID HE HAD A FRIEND

Dear Mom and Dad,
The war is done.
My task is through.
But Mom, there is something great 
I must ask of you.

I have a friend.
Such a friend.
He has no home, you see.
And so, Mom I would really like to 
Bring him home with me.

Dear Son, 
We don't mind if someone comes home with you.
I'm sure he'd love to stay with us.
Perhaps a week or two.

Dear Mom,
There's something you must know.
Please, don't be alarmed.
My friend, in a battle recently,
Was hurt and lost an arm.

My Son,
Don't be ashamed to bring him home with you.
Perhaps he could stay and visit,
for a day or two.

Dear Mom,
But Mother, he's not just a friend.
He's like a brother too.
That's why I want him with us,
And like a son to you.

Before you give your answer, Mom,
I really don't want to beg,
But my friend fought in a battle,
In which he lost his leg.

Dear Son,
It hurts so much to say,
My answer must be no.
For Dad and I have no time,
For a boy who is crippled so.

So months go by,
A letter comes. 
It says their son has died.
And when they read the cause of death.
The shock was "suicide".

Days later, when the casket came,
Draped in our country's flag,
They saw their son,
Lying there...without an arm or leg.