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Memorial Day

Memorial Day Spangled white stars Flutter on a field of blue In quiet glens and on hills That that remember In taps The spirits resting Beneath stone markers The battle cries and hero’s lives Their days, now without end, Etched in granite Their sacrifice Protects Freedom’s flowing wellspring As meadows of red poppies Call us to recall And silently salute this eternal rollcall Sounding an eternal reveille To rise beyond the fields Where battles rage.

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Rowena Velasco

Date: 7/21/2025 4:42:00 AM

This poem deeply touched me. It beautifully honors those who sacrificed everything, reminding me to never take freedom for granted. The imagery of stars and poppies makes the memory of heroes feel alive and close to the heart. A heartfelt salute indeed.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 5/29/2025 12:41:00 PM

Hi Sam Brave men indeed my friend, they gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives. I was lucky, I got to know my dad, several years after the war he said Hi, as I was born and opened my eyes. A wonderful commemoration to those who fought bravely, some so far from home. BLESSINGS AND HUGS, Jennifer.

I Am Anaya

Date: 5/23/2025 9:11:00 PM

Emotional tribute, "And silently salute this eternal rollcall......moving, Sam. Hope you have a nice Memorial Day weekend ~ blessings to you

Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/3/2025 2:00:00 PM

reetings Anaya! Thank you. We did have a very nice Memorial Day. Hope you did as well. With all of the celebrations there is always an underlying sadness as we remember what our freedom costs in terms of human lives. All the best. Blessings!

Alesia Leach

Date: 5/23/2025 5:37:00 PM

Sam, this is a reverent tribute--beautifully solemn and deeply felt. “Silently salute this eternal rollcall” is such a powerful phrase, and “freedom’s flowing wellspring” reminds us exactly what’s at stake. A poem that stands like a flag at half-mast: proud, grieving, and grateful.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/1/2025 9:01:00 AM

Thank you so much Alesia! This contest was a wonderful opportunity to take a deeper look into the meaning of Memorial Day and those we honor who have honored all of us with their sacrifice and their dedication to the precious, fragile gift of freedom. Sending you blessings and my gratitude!

Nette Onclaud

Date: 5/21/2025 5:05:00 AM

poignant write deserving of a fine win, sam...huge congrats all the way rising ' beyond tye fields...'

Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/1/2025 8:58:00 AM

Hi Nette! Thank you so much! Memorial Day evokes so many feelings. This contest was a wonderful opportunity to both honor and remember. Hope all is well. Blessings!

Len Gasun

Date: 5/20/2025 7:58:00 AM

An awesome tribute poem to our great heroes on their memorial day my dearest poet friend Sam! Thanks a lot for sharing. So enjoyed! Congratulations on your win! God bless you always and your writings. Hugs

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/22/2025 11:14:00 AM

Dearest Len, I am so touched by your beautiful compliments. Thank you. What an honor to write of the honor of those who served to protect freedom around the world. The poems I have read are really quite special. So grateful for your congratulations. Sending you blessings always dear friend!

Greg Gaul

Date: 5/20/2025 6:40:00 AM

Emotionally active imagery enraptures your reader as you render passionate praise. So well done Sam. As usual. Splendid. GG

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/23/2025 12:19:00 PM

Hi Greg! Thank you so much! My family, on both sides, have seen military service since the French and Indian Wars. I am deeply moved by all those who have given so much and hoped that would come through in this poem. Thank you for affirming my efforts! Sending you all the best and blessings.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/20/2025 5:58:00 AM

Back with congrats. I haven't seen your numbered placement but when I check again, I am sure I will it has placed high

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/22/2025 11:11:00 AM

Thank you so much, Andrea! It did well among so many moving tributes and remembrances. Truly an honor on a day we honor those who gave everything! Blessings!

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 5/20/2025 5:33:00 AM

Dearest Sam, Being a veteran myself I love your moving tribute for each image honors the sacrifice and memory of those who gave everything for freedom. The spangled stars, stone markers, and meadows of red poppies evoke the solemn beauty and enduring gratitude of this day. Thank you for capturing the spirit of remembrance so gracefully. We need to pause, reflect, and salute the heroes who rest beneath our fields of honor. I salute you! Spring Blessings, My Dear Sam, Daniel

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/23/2025 12:14:00 PM

Dearest Daniel, it is so good that we as a country never forget those who serve, have served and those who have given their all for freedom. Thank you for your service. My husband served two years in the army and while he never saw combat, he ended up serving those who served. I was in England one year on Remembrance Day when red poppies were everywhere. It was a moving experience and became part of this poem. Also, as a child I would wander in a small graveyard close to home and wonder of the men buried there. That also became part of this poem. Thank you so much for your graceful feedback. It was an honor to write and place with this poem. There were so many amazing tributes. Sending you special blessings for Memorial Day, dear friend!

Valsa George

Date: 5/19/2025 10:39:00 PM

The valiant sons of each land who lay down their lives for their country do deserve the greatest respect. Those who now rest in granite tombs... most of them could have lived long and enjoyed life. But their sacrifice and heroism protected us from enemy hands that we can live in peace now. A lovely and heartwarming tribute to those heroic souls. Congratulations dear Sam on your win.

Oliver Mckeithan

Date: 5/19/2025 7:09:00 PM

Sam, congrats your placement in my contest. Powerful tribute poem to the ones who gave all.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/19/2025 7:44:00 PM

Hi Oliver! I am ever grateful for your placement but more thankful to write on Memorial Day - a truly sober reminder of sacrifice and lose. There are some wonderful poems on the winners list and I am grateful to be among them. Blessings to you. Thank you.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 5/19/2025 2:43:00 PM

Their days, now without end, Etched in granite… And silently salute this eternal rollcall…great and sober lines! Blessings, Sam!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/19/2025 7:40:00 PM

Thank you so much, Kim. Visits to these military graveyards are poignant reminders of sacrifices. As a child I would spend time wandering in a small cemetery close to my home wondering about the men resting there. Thank you for your ever thoughtful feedback. Blessings!!

Paige Hind

Date: 5/17/2025 5:39:00 PM

A beautiful tribute- "Call us to recall And silently salute this eternal rollcall"

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/18/2025 7:38:00 PM

Thank you Paige. Memorial day recalls heroism but also calls us to remember sacrifice. Blessings to you.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/16/2025 11:53:00 PM

This is so poetic. One of the best I have seen in this challenge

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/17/2025 3:02:00 PM

Thank you so much, Andrea. As a child I would wander through a graveyard close to home and wonder if the men lying there. I guess this poem was born in those quiet, sometimes sad, moments. I very much liked your entry to the contest. Best wishes and blessings to you.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/17/2025 2:51:00 PM

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 5/16/2025 2:05:00 PM

What a wonderful "Memorial Day" write you have here. "Good Luck" Make Love Not War As We Have A Blessed Day/Holiday Writing Away.................

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/16/2025 2:38:00 PM

Thank you so much, Paula. It is good that we recognize so many who have give so much that we can live in freedom! Sending you blessings of spring joy!