For Mexico native Les Gipson, Veterans’ Day and any other day that honors the U.S. military is special because it gives him a chance to honor his best friend.

Gipson, and his friend James W. Cahall, both grew up in Mexico and both were drafted into the military in the spring of 1966. Cahall was shipped off to Vietnam while Gipson was sent to Germany. Cahall lost his life six months after getting to Vietnam in January of 1967.

Gipson, who has written more than 800 poems, wrote a poem about Veterans’ Day and his friend Jim and read it at a Veterans’ Day program at the Missouri Veterans’ Home on Friday, Nov. 10. After reading the poem Gipson presented a framed copy of the poem to the Veterans’ Home Director Aliesha Edwards.

“I made a promise to his parents that he wouldn’t be forgotten so I wear this hat for different occasions he’s never been able to attend,” Gipson said while pointing to the top of his hat with Cahall’s name. “I’m just keeping my promise to Jim.”

Gipson said it’s important to celebrate Veterans no matter how big or small the gesture because it means so much to them. He said even the simplest of things can brighten a Veterans’ day.

“That may not seem like much to you but to us knowing our service to our country is appreciated is a pretty big deal,” Gipson said.