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Best Memorial Day Poems | Poetry

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New Memorial Day Poems

Don't stop! The most popular and best Memorial Day poems are below this new poems list.

Memorial Day is Here Again by Wanter, Sunlite
Memorial Day by turner, roger
Memorial Day Follow Up by Horn, James
only half a Memorial Day 2017 by Beaufort, Duke
Liberating a Camp - My Memorial Day Offering by Olson, Richard
Memorial Day by Malenfant, Jerome
Memorial Day Tribute by Corey, Hannah
Memorial Day 2017 by Murray, John
The Memorial Day Parade by McGrath, Brenda
Reparation - For Memorial Day by Barden, Gregory R

View all new Memorial Day Poems

The Best Memorial Day Poems

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Military Tunic

~Homeless~

A lost guardian angel, sitting on the edge of everything 
I push my shopping cart along the cracks of destiny  
My house sits on the corner of every mission street
My tin coffee cup feeds on caring heartbeats
My possession is the icon of war, six missing buttons
Navy and white my grandfathers 70-yr-old military tunic.

My Jacket-  My blanket
My Jacket from which I am inseparable
My Jacket - represents the mobility of life

This Jacket is my home.

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Eyes of Blue

A people persecuted beyond imagination;
To help them he felt, was his obligation.
He joined the army in World War II;
Not knowing his hell would be Eyes of Blue.

When he reached Normandy, the beaches were red.
Crawling over his brothers who lay already dead.
To give this tyrant, this devil his due;
Not knowing his own demons, would be Eyes of Blue.

He rounded a building securing a town;
A young German soldier was just coming round.
He plunged his bayonet, the quicker of the two;
Killing the young soldier, with Eyes of Blue.

He knelt down beside him with tears in his eyes;
How long this moment would last, he did not realize.
He closed the eyes as he thought he should do;
Thinking never again to see those Eyes of Blue.

The victor over many in Germany and Japan;
It was always difficult taking life from a man.
None would haunt him, this he now knew;
As long as the soldier, with Eyes of Blue.

He died an old man, to heaven he went;
For this honorable soldier, mercy was sent.
First time since the war, so sad but true;
A peaceful sleep, not seeing Eyes of Blue.

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

LIGHTS OUT

Lights Out

One hundred years on and still the shout
“Everyone put your lights out”
Just for an hour from 10 to 11
And remember all those souls in heaven

One hundred years and still the cry
The perennial unanswered question “why?”
Is there a need in this hour of deed
For any to ignore or not to heed?

One hundred years, millions dead
In battles, wars and streets of dread
Trenches then, now car bombs blast
Tearing at families left aghast

One hundred years – again LIGHTS OUT
Not one city but the country throughout
Is this too much to ask ourselves
For those who died through bayonet and shells?

Lights out and let us honour our dead
Light a single candle in room or shed
Remember those terse words upon us yet
“Lest we Forget – lest we forget!”

August 4th 2014

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Unforgettable Moment

Those were my green and salad days
My friends, my toys were all my wealth.
Marbles and pebbles, my gems and pearls.
No fear of loss or bother about gains.
Trump cards valued no less than money.
School , home and uncle’s was my world.
What comes from where and goes where
None of them, I cared about, alike prince.
To run the empire of my utopia, my dad
Fought so many battles against all odds.
Unaware of all, with joy pass my days.
Till one day to pay my fees, I remember
If anything seeped into my mind ever
Like an engraved word on copper plate.
He has to sell his  wedding watch 
On the pulse, for the first moment in life.
My eyes were wet for someone else
Other than me, painted with the colours
 Of emotion, as most memorable picture.

For a poetry contest,inspired from a real memory.
©15/09/2014

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

August 4 1914

It was the summer - August 4
When England joined the First World War
1914 the very year
Before wives and children shed their bitter tears

‘The war to end wars’ was the battle cry
Before there had been one widow’s sigh
The men lined up by the score
To enlist, sacrifice themselves to this bitter war

Friends and families made their mark
Pals regiments were formed in town and park
From factories, clubs, offices and farms 
They became privates, sergeants, men at arms

And off they went through the streets
Not knowing that they were cannon meat
Cheered and applauded as they marched
Toward war’s verdant fields not yet parched

“It’ll be over by Christmas” came the call
“Get over there one and all”
No one of them, home or abroad
Had ever heard of “Total War”

Posters beckoned from every wall
Poets wrote of war’s enthrall
Songs and stories came thick and fast
Glorifying war and our heroic past

But very soon came the acrid truth
Millions dead - “Anthem of Doomed Youth”
Trial by ordeal and fire and zeal
A generation gone through war’s sharp steel

The sombre, bitter, vile death-calls
Quickly killed the tunes of the music halls
Wounded, dead, disfigured men
Many mutilated beyond any ken

At the end it was all for naught
That carnage in each battle fought
Kings deposed and Empires lost
But the worst thing was the human cost

One hundred years to this very day
Like then we shake our heads and say
Still in wars our sons and daughters die
To all that is holy, why? oh why?

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Memorial Day

Most of us play, our lives like a game
Both ends of our candle, consumed by the flame
Choosing a curtain, buying a vowel
Planning tomorrow, forsaking the now
In days gone by, not so long ago
We were dreaming of spring, through icy windows
Fields of green clover, budding trees and daffodils
Cooling homemade cobblers, on open window sills
Walking barefoot in the yard, after warm morning showers
Lost in our daydreams of sweet smelling flowers

Now June awaits, with anticipating brides
Spring has sprung, as we hear distant tides
Our minds look ahead, to tropical destinations
Free time with loved ones, on family vacations
Camping, hiking, perhaps water skiing
Traveling far away, for some casual sight seeing
While we're relaxing, with minds elsewhere
Spending today, on tomorrow's big dare
In the hot summer sun, we'll think of the snow
Taking for granted, the time that we blow

For Americans, tomorrow is Memorial Day
Religious or not, we should all stop and pray
For all the people, who gave their lives
At home and abroad, for their sacrifice
Fighting and dying, for the time that we waste
Ask God to love them and show them His grace
Pray for their families, for the love they lost
Paying the price, with the ultimate cost
Think of the fallen, lost in their prime
Be thankful for them and keep them in mind



 an original poem by the "Poemdog" Daniel Turner

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

The Day the Earth Moved

The moment that changed a city
The moment that changed a town
The moment that the earth did move
The moment that walls came down.

Sudden shock in the dark of night
Not expected before a coming day
Jolted from a peaceful sleep
From a nasty brutal sway.

What seemed to be eternity
Seconds that weren't so quick
Suddenly silence spread its sound
Except the echo of an old clocks tick.

Fears for friends and family
The networks all gone down
Checking neighbours in the street
Emotions shaky as the ground.

Listening to the radio
Expecting death to fill the air
Bracing with every aftershock
Terror laid fully bare.

Angels must have worked that night
No one badly harmed
Not knowing in the future
We weren’t to be so charmed.

4th September 2015


Christchurch Earthquake September 4th 2010. The smaller earthquake on February 22nd 2011 was to claim 185 lives.

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Memorial Day

A street lamp illumines our rain soaked flag
as soft filtered shades of red white and blue
try to let sparkles of light glisten through.
Peace fills the night as a zephyr shapes rain,
yet our mourning hearts have an ache for you.

As dawn crests the mountains and paints our
twilight sky, in pink, purple, then a golden hue,
today we remember those who fought far-away,
and let us not forget all their loved ones too.

Our memories we recall in our own sacred way.
Let us give thanks for their sacrifice; Never forget,
the countless dear lives of our soldiers unknown;
and thousands whose names in stone that are set.

Let us have faith, their spirits to heaven have flown.
So today let us offer our love in a heartfelt prayer
to pray for families whose loved ones have died.
Lord please bless them all, let them know we care.
Let there be peace for all on this earth who abide.

© Connie Marcum Wong

Blessings on Memorial Day

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

DEAD AT HOME

DEAD AT HOME -For Veteran's Day 

It's a gray day, in the café, 
by the side of the road.
There's an old man, took a firm stand, 
trying to loosen the load.

It is struck luck, with his last buck, 
but he pays for his soup.
He has no wife, all of his life, 
he is out of the loop.

He will bum thumb, in a ride from, 
here to his cardboard box.
There's a sleeping roll, a piece of coal, 
and a pillow made of rocks.

Allegory. 
No glory. 
A mad sad told cold story. 
Alliteration, of an allegation, on how he kills for glory.  
Then the lie dies, in GI's, when our soldier kills a man. 
All told, he is not bold, but this tale is secondhand.

He preaches whale's tales, of army mad males, 
as he calls for his god. 
Then he dreams schemes, of the war machines, 
and ghosts that run him odd.

Then he weeps sleeps, and a secret keeps, 
and he hates the morning light.  
He has lost his place, in the human race, 
and he always will take flight.

He will dine fine, on the red wine, 
which he drinks from a paper cup. 
He will watch stars, and count his scars, 
but his heart has given up!

Allegory. 
No glory. 
A mad sad told cold story. 
Alliteration, of an allegation, on how he kills for glory.  
Then the lie dies, in GI's, when our soldier kills a man. 
All told, he is not bold, but this tale is secondhand.

-Edlynn Nau

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Memorial Day


The fields are now quiet,
The thunder long gone;
The graves with their shadows
Stretch on and on.

The battle once here
Lives but in the past,
Of a war meant to be
Of all wars the last.

The flags and the trumpets,
The glory and fear,
Led men to battle;
Led but to here.

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Maple Re:Leaf


There is a field that we all know
That passed a torch where Soldiers go
Those that fell fought to the end
From that field they did ascend

To look upon the light relay
That made us free free this day
Rest in peace we do remember 
This is done eleven November

In a field that's now a lot
Rows of cars I did spot
In the air a poppy blowing
Where I wonder is it going

Among the maple leaves that fell
This poppies color blended well
Lost it there but for a moment
Young child's find leaves bestowment

Conferred unknown mom what's this?
This my child so we don't miss
Small reminder Veterans that passed
So all can live in peace ever last

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Forever Remember, Lest We Forget

In 1914 those aged between 18 and 55
Had no option or choice in life.
In 1939 those aged between 18 and 44
Had to defend home and fight a world war.

They dug holes in the mud and lived in underground huts,
They had no luxuries and would often see guts.
When it rained, there was no drain, so water filled up to their knees.
A regular sight of dead bodies with no escape from disease.

Unlike yours was their life, so remember thee,
It's a small thing to do for you and me.

Those who lived with machine guns taunting day and night,
In a hole in a field miles away from their life.
Vindication unknown and with no indication if the end was in sight,
Just carry on soldier and fight for your right.

Secure the right of freedom,
Allowed in your kingdom,
As that place is your home.
Home is where the heart is but the futures an unknown.

So we who are now alive and don't face that fate,
Should pay tribute to past generations for doing something that we would hate.

War creates heroes but wars are evil,
In the past people gave their life as a present for present day people.

Men and women of our island, our Empire and our Commonwealth,
As well as our allies that fought for a common want,
That want being the luxury of which we know no different, 
So pay your respects as the past is significant.

So thank you soldier, or the women of the factory 
Your story is unpleasant but is remembered as glory.

We that live now should know our existence is simple,
The lessons of history are what make our lifetime peaceful.

We owe unto you the most priceless of debts,
Those generations who achieved greatness we must not forget.

Our nation as one say "lest we forget".

Our species our planet "lest we forget".

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Solomon Mahlangu: My Blood will Nourish the Tree that will Bear the Fruits of Freedom

(special thanks to a friend who shared this tribute to Solomon Mahlangu)

Solomon Mahlangu: My Blood will Nourish the Tree that will Bear the Fruits of Freedom:

Solomon Mahlangu was trained as an MK soldier with a view to later rejoining the struggle in the country.

He left South Africa after the Soweto Uprising of 1976 when he was 19 years old, and was later chosen to be part of an elite force to return to South Africa to carry out a mission commemorating the June 16th 1976 Soweto student uprising.

After entering South Africa through Swaziland and meeting his fellow comrades in Duduza, on the East Rand (east of Johannesburg), they were accosted by the police in Goch Street in Johannesburg.

In the ensuing gun battle two civilians were killed and two were injured, and Mahlangu and Motloung were captured while acting as decoys so that the other comrade could go and report to the MK leadership.

Motloung was brutally assaulted by the police to a point that he suffered brain damage and was unfit to stand trial, resulting in Mahlangu facing trial alone.

He was charged with two counts of murder and several charges under the Terrorism Act, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Though the judge accepted that Motloung was responsible for the killings, common purpose was argued and Mahlangu was found guilty on two counts of murder and other charges under the Terrorism Act.

On 15 June 1978 Solomon Mahlangu was refused leave to appeal his sentence by the Rand Supreme Court, and on 24 July 1978 he was refused again in the Bloemfontein Appeal Court.

Although various governments, the United Nations, International Organizations, groups and prominent individuals attempted to intercede on his behalf, Mahlangu awaited his execution in Pretoria Central Prison, and was hanged on 6 April 1979.

His hanging provoked international protest and condemnation of South Africa and Apartheid.

In fear of crowd reaction at the funeral the police decided to bury Mahlangu in Atteridgeville in Pretoria.

On 6 April 1993 he was re-interred at the Mamelodi Cemetery, where a plaque states his last words:

‘My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom.

Tell my people that I love them.

They must continue the fight.’

Mahlangu died for a cause!

Salute!

The Struggle Continues…

(special thanks to a friend who shared this tribute to Solomon Mahlangu)

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

We Salute Our Veterans This Memorial Day


We salute every soldier who’s
 served this great nation.
And offer a heart of thanks
 and appreciation!

We salute each member 
of our armed forces.
And are thankful for their
 efforts and resources!

We salute the many who 
protect our borders too.
We’d be in trouble…  
If not for people like YOU!

We salute every son and 
daughter lost in a war.
YOU are what serving this
 country is meant for!

We salute the officers who’ve 
guided our women and men.
Our prayers are with you!  
And our love from within!

We salute our veterans!  
Wherever they may be!
Those who served on
 land, air and sea!

Offering prayer to the
 Lord is our belief…
That he will guide our
 Commander-in-Chief!

As we observe Memorial Day this year…
Let’s offer our soldiers
 love, hope and cheer!

May God bless them in
 all they endeavor
And his peace be with them
 today and forever!!

By Jim Pemberton

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Fake Words

Fake Words – Zamreen Zarook

God have given us mouth,
Not to speak to north and south,
Tongue is given under an oath,
So it’s our duty to protect them both.

Girls chat fake with boys,
Having a notion that the boys are toys,
They often make varied noise,
Thinking to keep a trap on handsome guys.

Boys are also human being,
So it’s not possible being clean,
Things varies in the way they are seen,
So positive thinking will make you keen.

Boys’ minds are pure,
As it is pure bio,
So don’t try to pour vino,
Which will take decades to get cure.

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Remember Me Memorial Day Tribute 2015

Remember Me

Memorial Day Tribute 2015

A soldier gives his life in battle his spirit is set free.
His body finds a grave his soul cries remember me.
Remembering this moment that I first met my doom.
Remember me, a baby forming in my mothers womb.

Remembering first steps I took remember times I fell.
Recall my dreams of heaven and each moment spent in hell.
Remember mountains that I faced before I answered duty's call.
Climbing trees and skinned up knees I dreamed I'd climb them all.

Remember times of courage lessons learned and lessons taught.
Remember me for good times before my last fight was fought.
Remembering your freedom and that freedom don't come free.
I ask so little in return when asking you remember me.

Not a body in a grave somewhere, a wooden cross stuck in the dirt.
A sister or a brother too with U.S.A. stitched on my shirt.
Remember so it's not in vain the life that now is through.
Remembering the blood that spilled still runs red white and blue.

Edwin C Hofert

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

We Salute Our Veterans This Memorial Day

This Memorial Day…

We salute every soldier who’s
 served this great nation.
And offer a heart of thanks
 and appreciation!

We salute each member 
of our armed forces.
And are thankful for their
 efforts and resources!

We salute the many who 
protect our borders too.
We’d be in trouble…  
If not for people like YOU!

We salute every son and 
daughter lost in a war.
YOU are what serving this
 country is meant for!

We salute the officers who’ve 
guided our women and men.
Our prayers are with you!  
And our love from within!

We salute our veterans!  
Wherever they may be!
Those who served on
 land, air and sea!

Offering prayer to the
 Lord is our belief…
That he will guide our
 Commander-in-Chief!

As we observe Memorial Day this year…
Let’s offer our soldiers
 love, hope and cheer…

May God bless them in
 all they endeavor
And his peace be with them
 today and forever!!

By Jim Pemberton  05/21/10

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Memorial Day

the crowds are coming
Memorial Day again
when summer begins

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

The Men Who Died Too Soon--Memorial Day Tribute

The flag flies over this land of the brave and the free
as a symbol of the liberty enjoyed by you and me.
It flutters in the breeze of a quiet afternoon
reflecting sounds of battles in which men died too soon.

The flag flies overhead in cities and in towns
where people seek a haven from worlds turned upside-down.
It tries, gallantly, to honor, on quiet afternoons,
memories of warriors -- young men who died too soon.

The flag flies overhead -- unseen, by some, it seems,
who hurry on their separate ways in search of private dreams.
It waves farewell then, it appears, with the rise of the evening moon,
it gently reaches out to touch the men who died too soon.

Author's note:
This was written some years ago to honor our fallen warriors
May they rest in eternal peace.. Jake

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

The Night Owl

Hoot! Hoot! Came the call
In silence I listened,heard
Nothing.
Suddenly, hoot! Hoot! 
Came the cry,tree 
Branches rustling,wings 
Flapping.
Seems the world was in 
Oblivion-the absolute 
Silence.
Went I to the window 
and Looked into the 
empty Darkness. As I lay 
down,I Knew somewhere 
I would Hear that sound 
again.

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

A Service Member's Prayer

A Service Member's Prayer

Oh, God, I feel that I have cause
To know my life might give You pause,
But fair as You are sure to be,
I seek Your way on bended knee.
I wish neither to kill nor die,
Though from engagement I'll not shy.
For if my duty calls me there,
I'll do whatever I must dare.

I seek not courage for the fight.
I seek not comfort from the night.
I ask not pardon for my deeds,
Nor any salve for any needs.
I only ask to know what's right,
To do my best to check my might,
To render mercy where I should,
To know I serve the greater good.

Oh, God, if You will hear my plea,
I ask so very much of thee.
I fear not men, I fear not death,
Yet bow my head and still my breath
To ask You, please, to do Your best,
To keep me from eternal rest,
Until the hour my duty sends
Me home to family and friends.

And if You grant my humble prayer,
Oh, God, I ask You, keep from care
Those people whom I hold most dear.
I wish them not to shed a tear
In anguish over days now done,
Where my dawn was their setting sun.
For then, if You will grant my plea,
I'll soon be nearer them and Thee.

Copyright Shawn H. Hall 2014

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day Tribute
© Ben Burton 5-25-2015

They stood up for America
And for their families left behind
Our soldiers sent to unknown lands
Secure that God was on their side

Esprit de corps was palpable
In every battle they engaged
Where many saw their brothers fall
From bombs on high and cannonade

That sacrifice was part of life
But those who lived would ne'er forget
Those pals interred in foreign soils
Or body parts themselves had left

And every Monday late in May
We think of those who toed the line
Who died too young, but made their mark
On those who still recall with pride

Our noble heroes lost in war
While we live in our comfort zone
We have a duty to defend
The hallowed shores that they called home

All those who think "hallowed" untrue
Remain entitled to their belief
Because of those with different views
Who died that we might freely speak

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

In Memory of My Dad

It’s already been three years now since you passed away,
Yet, those mem’ries of you are alive, in my heart you’ll forever stay;
Every time I think of you, I smile with pain,
And wish that I can see and hug you once again.

My childhood years with you were so much fun,
I can’t recall any moment when you hit me with your hand;
You always took care of me with so much love,
‘Til I dreamt of Jesus on his bike, showing Himself like you-a loving Dad.

You were a very loving father who sacrificed everything,
When mom was away for work, you crossed rivers if I get sick;
You’d played the biggest role in my grade schooling,
You’d always fetched and brought me to school through biking.

I remember when you asked my teacher’s permission,
I was sick and I couldn’t attend my Kindergarten Graduation;
My teacher didn’t agree for I’ll be given an honor,
Wrapped in blanket, you brought me up on stage to pin my ribbon.

From my secondary to college life,
You gave your financial, moral and spiritual support and guide;
You’d honed your house-painting skills and you became well- known,
A big help for mom and your three children’s education.

December 2010 to January, 2011 was the happiest moment for me,
You and mom visited me in a place so far away,
A happy reunion of only four (with your sis/my aunt) but I was so happy
We enjoyed your natal day… I never thought that was your last, Daddy.

You went back home and suddenly you got sick,
No matter how everyone climbed a mountain, you’d a remote recovery;
Despite the pain of losing you as my eyes blurred with tears,
I finally let you go to God, in Him you’ll find the most soothing relief.

Today is your death anniversary and I’m writing my poetry,
To express how much you are missed my ever dearest daddy;
I offer you flowers and candles on the altar where I’ve placed your photo,
Through my prayer to God, I’ll send my loving messages to you.

Dear God, please tell my dad that I dearly love and miss him so much,
Hug him for me and through the breeze, please send me his loving touch;
Among the most beautiful flowers in heaven, please pick one for me,
Give it to him- a symbol of my great love and forever he’s my best daddy.

Feb. 27, 2014 5.20pm
A poem requested by my relatives for my dad’s Third Year Death Anniversary on this March/14. He was 64 when he died. It was sent back home through mail and will be read by my 11-yr. old niece on his memorial service day at church.

>>Pls. click about this picture. TYSM

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

What Would You Have Me Do -- A Memorial Day Tribute

Oh gallant sons of glory,
Whose years were so precious few --
In payment for the debt I owe,
What would you have me do?

If only I could hear,
What question would you ask?
To pay this debt of honor,
Just what would be my task?

Could your immortal spirits
Meet me face to face,
What would you have me do
To calm your resting place?

Could I breach the chasm of death
And ask you to answer true,
In payment for the lives you gave,
What would you have me do?

Details | Memorial Day Poem |

Your Day


this is your day…
again, I’m so sad and lonely
knowing that your brother is going back ;((
your representative is so far.. I can’t  give him a hug

I hope, you’re watching us today
our forever loving angel,
I know you’re always with us to watch and pray
please, ask God to guide him on his way

we’re all together in spirit of remembering you
distance is not a hindrance at all
for us to be reunited and remember you

we  lovingly pray for your soul
those golden years when we were with you
forever we’ll cherished…the most precious memoirs



March 29, 2014