Decoration Day

We called it Decoration Day
When I was just a kid
And up ‘til now, I never knew
Exactly why we did.

I always thought that it referred
To stripes that soldiers earned
Or stars and bars for officers, 
But that’s not what I learned.

I googled it to double-check
And found out I was wrong.
The “decorations” were for graves
And have been all along.

For each serviceman who fought
And lost his life in sacrifice,
Just a marker on his resting place
Would simply not suffice.

So as tribute and remembrance,
With a flag or a bouquet,
We should beautify a soldier’s grave
On Decoration Day.

No matter what you call it,
When our flag is flown half-mast,
Take a moment for reflection
On our soldiers who have passed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
May 31, 2014 at 10:05 AM
When walking through the land of graves. One thinks about the one who saves. With crosses marking everywhere. It's the one solace that helps us bear. To think of those whose sacrifice was for our sake. It's for his I do a double take. And in my heart I pray for those who have no memory that shows. For family's will all go by. When no one see's them with their eye. Peace. :)
Lyle Avatar
May 27, 2014 at 2:25 AM
Thank you Ilene for another beautiful informative poem. Perfect rhyming for our fallen. Andy
Wilson Avatar
May 26, 2014 at 4:35 PM
Really great rhyming and sentiment Ilene...I enjoyed it very much...love,Deb
Smith Avatar
May 26, 2014 at 4:07 PM
Beautiful Ilene...I thought the same way...hugs Tim
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