The Unknowns

Around this globe American heroes rest in hallowed grave,
Fallen upon the field of battle, our precious liberties to save.
Most have their honored names forever etched in stone;
Other stones display that simple phrase, "Known But To God Alone."

Who could that gallant warrior be? we will ever wonder,
Why him, Lord, who in the heat of battle was torn asunder?
Whose precious son, brother, father was this valiant son,
Tenderly laid in consecrated grave, his laurals bravely won?

What could he have become, Lord, had fate not dealt him so?
Contributions he could have made to humankind, we will never know.
He gave full measure of devotion that others may live free,
Upholding the Constitution, guaranteeing freedom and liberty.

The young soldier was laid to rest with the somber notes of "Taps",
Awaiting Gabriel's clarion bugle call to shed his sepulchral wraps.
To once again march with comrades on that final patrol,
And stand formation for that terminal call of the roll!

Even tho' the soldier's name was lost upon the field of strife,
The Creator has his name eternally scribed in the "Book of Life."
The Omnipotent One e'er so compassionate, e'er so kind,
Will ensure when the last roll is called, he won't be left behind!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Beer Avatar
July 12, 2010 at 9:46 AM
And at last the loved ones will once again be reunited with him or her again. I read your poems and it always brings back my nurse friend, Claudine. She was the only one who would talk about her many perils. And they were many. She has written in many books her experiences. Thanks for the memories my friend. God Bless, Cile
Taylor Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 3:26 PM
Its a gross injustice that these heros fight for their country, give their lives and noone knows who they were! Great tribute Bob.
A  Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 7:04 PM
I DECIDED TO READ ONE LAST POEM TODAY . I am glad it is this one I love war movies .I love this dedication you have written..Another great poem I am going to call you the rhyming king...I love every poem I have read from you SIR..
Kendrick Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 2:42 PM
Another great write and a great tribute to that soldier that gave his all and no one knows his name. Keep the creative pen flowing. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work. Sara
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