It's that time again. Every few years I send out this poem I wrote back in 1986 in honor of the brave men & women of our Armed Services. Yes it speaks generically of 'men' but those who know me are fully aware I am no disrespecter of women & their contributions. At the time I wrote this I had no close friends or family in the Armed Services. I was speaking as an undefined but appreciative member of the United States of America civilians. This is not an endorsement of war (current or otherwise) it is a statement of appreciation for those in the military both during times of war and times of peace. As I have been reminded by one who served during the 'Cold War' : "They also server who only stand and wait."
That said I still think this poem says what I feel to the best of my limited ability.
On Memorial Day and Always
There isn't as much applause
In these days of high-tech war
For the men who slog through mud
And heaven knows how much more
He's died in many countries
And been lain in unmarked graves
Often with no remembrance
By those he has died to save
Although there are those who scorn
And mock our dear soldier men
They really ought to thank them
And then thank them once again
I shall not forget him though
He's my brother, father, son
And he'll fight on with bare hands
If they take away his gun
At the Tomb of the Unknown
Remember why you still live
Fighting on for our freedom
He gave all He had to give
BDASJ
1986
Tags: memorial day, poetry
Current Mood: 
contemplative
