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Veteran's Day - 2015

Veteran’s Day - 2015


This day
	all flags
shed
	bloodied shadows
upon
	sacred soil
dotted
	with stilled crosses.

This day
parades
	weary soldiers

smile
	at the few who line the streets

march
	to familiar cadence

salute
	flag’s half mast history

weep
	as Taps resounds

across
	each generation’s tears.

This day
Peace
	will solemnly descend

upon those
	who kept her safe.



John G. Lawless
11/5/2015

Copyright © John Lawless | Year Posted 2015

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David Walker Date: 12/22/2020 2:33:00 AM Thanks for this one John. Like many others here I served in the Army, so very long ago now. This piece is well written. Login to Reply

Oliver Mckeithan Date: 1/7/2018 2:27:00 PM Thanks for sharing this poem John. I served in the Air Force 45 years ago. While never experiencing combat, I knew and know many who have and this poem says it. We owe a debt to all who served and those still serving. Login to Reply

Randy Johnson Date: 1/2/2018 10:01:00 AM This reminds me of my Dad, who quit school at age 15, lied about his age, joined the Navy, and served on a PT boat during the Italian campaign in WW2. It also reminds me of my trip to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona memorial. Special reminders of the debt we owe to those who sacrificed on our behalf. You captured it. Login to Reply

Rich Reitz Date: 6/16/2017 9:03:00 AM Thank you for this magnificent poem, John. As a retired Army Staff Sergeant, I really appreciate your words. I wish the entire country could read this poem. I wonder how we became so apathetic toward our patriotism. Login to Reply

Gary Bateman Date: 11/11/2015 6:52:00 AM Hello John!! Congratulations on the POTD honor. A quite excellent write for sure. You most certainly honor all of our veterans with your most meaningful and solemn words here. (And, as a retired military veteran myself, I can attest that the words of your poem here have a very deep significance for me -- YES!!) Thanks for taking the time write this wonderful tribute!! It's a FAV for me too!! Cheers and Best, Gary Login to Reply

Michael Tor Date: 11/10/2015 12:04:00 AM Love this write John. What a tribute! Excellent. You honor many. Congratulations on your POTD! Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/10/2015 8:34:00 AM Thank you Michael for stopping by to comment.

Sandra Haight Date: 11/9/2015 6:48:00 PM Powerful Veteran's Day poem, John. Wonderful tribute to our men and women who served our country. Congrats on your POTD! Sandra Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/10/2015 8:33:00 AM Thanks Sandra, appreciate your support

Red Barchettadrive Date: 11/9/2015 12:27:00 AM Amen John! Congrats on this honor bestowed on your work, best bestowed on behalf of the great men & women that have stood to keep you & I free. I appreciate them all and the light you've shared with your pen. 7+ Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/10/2015 8:32:00 AM thanks for stopping by to comment and for the high mark

Anisha Dutta Date: 11/8/2015 3:55:00 PM Splendid composition. Congrats for the poem of the day. Anisha D Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:28:00 PM Thanks for stopping by Anisha.

Eve Roper Date: 11/8/2015 3:05:00 PM Inspiring!!! Great write, John, and congratulations on poem of the day! Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:28:00 PM Thanks Eve It is nice to have it as the poem of the day..

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 11/8/2015 12:58:00 PM - Great poem, John ! - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. !!! - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:27:00 PM Thanks Anne Lise.

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 11/8/2015 12:11:00 PM This is wonderful John. Perfect to honor the Veterans. Congratulations on it being selected for POTD! Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:26:00 PM Thank you Connie, always nice to hear from you.

Kim Merryman Date: 11/8/2015 11:34:00 AM John, congrats on POTD! Your poem is well deserving of the honor. Love, Kim Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:25:00 PM Thanks Kim your comments are always appreciated

Richard Lamoureux Date: 11/8/2015 10:42:00 AM What a perfect choice for POTD! Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:25:00 PM Thanks Richard

Jan Allison Date: 11/8/2015 8:26:00 AM A touching poem for Remembrance Sunday - congrats on Poem of the day John:-) hugs Jan xx7 Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:24:00 PM Thanks Jan appreciate your support.

John Fleming Date: 11/8/2015 1:49:00 AM Sometimes people have to pick up arms and march towards the sound of the guns...We cannot always choose our own destiny - But we can fight to avoid it! The people you honour fought for their choice of destiny - And thus ensured ours! Very well done on POTD! Best regards! :-) john Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:23:00 PM Thanks John for reading and commenting.

Gail Foster Date: 11/7/2015 4:07:00 PM 'flags shed bloodied shadows'...beautiful. You get my first '7'. All the best x Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:22:00 PM Thanks Gail...I consider it an honor to be the recipient of your first '7'.

Kim Merryman Date: 11/7/2015 1:51:00 PM An excellent write for Veteran's Day, John! I love the formatting - it made each point stand out. This really touched me. Going in my favs! Love, Kim Login to Reply John Lawless Date: 11/8/2015 8:22:00 PM Thanks Kim. I did my service time in the '60's....and so I have a deep respect for all who serve.