Son, I Want To See That Memorial Before I Die

(The World War Two Memorial, Washington DC) As a young sergeant he stormed Normandy Beach in June of forty-four. Now, the old soldier, confined to a wheelchair, thought a lot about the war. He reminisced about those days and memories would mist his eye. He often said to his son, "I want to see that Memorial before I die!" He fought through France and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, And earned the Silver Star but little about that heroic deed did he divulge. He was honored to serve his nation and wore the uniform with pride. His only concern was for the welfare of the comrades serving at his side. Time was slipping away, his eyes grew dim, health issues took their toll. But his love for Old Glory and those who gave their all raged within his soul. "Oh, if you could see your way to take me to Washington!" he would often cry! "Son, I've just got to see that World War Two Memorial before I die!" That day came to pass and the old hero visited the Memorial with his son! "Now, I can die in peace" saluting as Taps was played at the setting of the sun. He met old vets whose gnarled hands once held the terrible weapons of war, And each of them beckoned for peace that we shall know war no more! He revisited the happy time he spent at the Memorial with his son so often. Alas, just a few months later his beloved flag was draped o'er his coffin. At the final calling of the roll, God placed upon his noble brow a crown, Saying, "Soldier! You've served Me and My people with great renown!"