In Memoriam
The end of May is coming . . .
When the nation celebrates Memorial Day.
Schools and offices are closed . . .
It's the summer's first holiday.
Do we remember why we celebrate today . . .
Or what the "Stars and Stripes" mean?
Do we ever remind our children . . .
Of where our flag has been.
From Bunker Hill to Yorktown . . .
And Tripoli to New Orleans.
From the Halls of Montezuma . . .
It has waved up in the breeze.
From Chateau Thierry to the Argonne . . .
Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima too.
From the Cassarein Pass to Messina . . .
From Anzio, Omaha Beach, Saint-Lo, and Bastogne she flew.
From Pusan to Inchon . . .
From Hue, Tan Son Nhut, and places with stranger names.
From the Mideast Gulf to Bagdad . . .
And then back home, again.
Are these just names in our history books?
I say, "Not at All!"
They are the reminders of the resting places . . .
For those who answered the call.
For Men carried the flag of our country . . .
Through shot and shell and murderous fire.
Some of them have never returned . . .
To their homes and heart's desire.
Look at the field at Arlington . . .
The Punch Bowl in Hawaii or the land in southern France.
Where white crosses grow in the countryside . . .
For those who did not get another chance.
And what of those who did come home . . .
Do we ever really think of them?
They too, gave a full measure of devotion . . .
They too, had our liberty to defend.
So on this day when we grill our burgers . . .
Or are giving the ballgame a view.
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanksgiving . . .
For those whose sacrifice made it possible for you.
THANKS TO ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY . . .
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
Copyright © Daniel Cwiak | Year Posted 2010
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