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While stationed with the US Army at the Presidio of Monterey, California, I often supervised funeral details for old veterans.

The detail lowered the colors: That weathered flag with stripes and stars, That had crossed so many borders In declared and undeclared wars. Young soldiers debark for glories. The detail lowered the colors. Old survivors tell their stories Of comrades who died in valor. We refused to doubt their honors, Though causes have been disputed. The detail lowered the colors, While veterans were saluted. To the widows, kind words were said. The rifle squads rendered honors, Then respectfully Taps were played. The detail lowered the colors. 20140625. Note--'colors' means not only shades and tints of frequencies of light, but also refers to to a national flag in a military formation.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 2/23/2015 6:48:00 AM
Hi, Mark as promised i have started to read your poetry. I intend to read more and i must say i thought this was an excellent choice you gave for me to start.Very well written and thought provoking. George Seal..
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 2/23/2015 11:06:00 AM
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Date: 11/7/2014 8:19:00 AM
Enjoined your work, not surprised you won honors. Thanks from a Vet
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 11/7/2014 3:05:00 PM
You're welcome from a Vet. Never shot anyone, but spent time in the Balkans and Iraq/Kuwait.
Date: 6/26/2014 10:31:00 PM
A fabulous write Mark ! Congrats on top honours !
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 11/7/2014 3:06:00 PM
Belated thanks Dr. Sharma.
Date: 6/26/2014 8:36:00 PM
this was an excellent one to go along with the holidays of Flag Day and fourth of July. GREAT win. Congratulations.
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 11/7/2014 3:07:00 PM
Belated thanks. Liked doing this one.
Date: 6/26/2014 5:25:00 PM
yes Mark trooping the colours loved your take excellent poem congrats on 1st place ty for taking part hugs
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 11/7/2014 3:06:00 PM
Belated thanks.
Date: 6/26/2014 2:29:00 AM
Wow, now that hits hard, but it's honest.
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 11/7/2014 3:08:00 PM
Belated thanks. I was on the firing lines for a few veterans' funerals back when I was in the Army.
Date: 6/25/2014 10:00:00 AM
outstanding..youve got a winner here. BG
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 6/25/2014 4:31:00 PM
Even though I occasionally like to draw with pastels and colored pencils, as a 20-year Army veteran 'colors' to me means an American flag with a gold border around it.
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Mark J. Halliday
Date: 6/25/2014 1:16:00 PM
Thanks. Will have to find another quatern contest.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things