Monday, May 28, 2018

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE

I wrote this for Memorial Day

a few years ago but I think it is

relevant every day.

This means even more to me now that I am

volunteering at the VA Center here. 



Memorial Day is here once more,

We fly the flags above our door,

We plant our flowers that mark the grave,

Of every soldier that was so brave,



They fought for freedom for everyone,

Many lives snuffed out by a sniper's gun.

We proudly march in our little bands,

As daybreak filters across our lands,



But I wonder if we can truly see,

What cost it was to make us free.



Confederate soldiers fought the Yanks,

Some brothers fought brothers in those ranks,

To free the downtrodden that were lost,

To free all men at any cost.



My father was a medic in World War One,

A war not talked about by anyone,

Some men lost limbs and some were gassed,

Some picked up by comrades, others  bypassed.



World War II! How tragic indeed,

People standing by watching others bleed.

Souls thrown to the winds with no remorse,

Foreign government standing on their own course.



Vietnam was not a war they said,

Then how come so many soldiers ended up 

dead?

No heroes welcome for them in sight,

They slunk home in the dead of night.



Should I go on-with Korea & Desert Storm?

Iran? Afghanistan? Are you getting warm?

Do you feel the pain you see in their face?

Does it make you squirm in your warm, safe 

place?



I've just one more thing I'd like to say,

It's about celebrating Memorial Day,

Look around and everything you see,

Was paid out in blood so that we are free.

Put your hand on your heart,

For the blue, white and red,

Raise your eyes to the flag,

Say a prayer for the dead.


Because of a soldier I can have my say,

So ~God Bless you this Memorial Day~


A special thank you to my nephew, Scott, 

my father, my Uncle Samuel, my foster brother,Gene,

my old schoolmate, Tom Babcock and

my friend I met blogging, Kurt Keys.


And To All Our Soldiers-
your photo name

37 comments:

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It is simply time to start to stop going to war.

Sandi said...

I couldn't agree more.

Lisa said...

This is beautiful! Hope you have a nice Memorial Day. I have to work but always keeping my soldiers in my mind.
Lisa

Susie said...

Thank you Diana, I really love this tribute poem. I am not sure that very young people know the true meaning of Memorial Day. Your poem would enlighten them. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo, love, Susie

Theresa said...

Beautiful tribute! God bless your day dear friend, HUGS!

Jeanie said...

Beautifully written, Diana. I hope you enjoy the day.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

What a wonderful tribute for Memorial Day. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

Sylvia said...

Well said, Diana, so true that war is bad.I am thankful for the service and sacrifice. Have a great day, my friend!

Robyn said...

This is beautiful Diana XO

Betty said...

So true.

Terri D said...

Beautiful. Well done!!

LV said...

It may be a repeat but worth it. How did you get the cookie statement on your blog. I do not have one or know how to get it.

Doris said...

Well said! Have a wonderful day, Diana!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

A beautiful tribute indeed.

Kay G. said...

Yes, you should repeat this every Memorial Day. It needs to be said.

Anonymous said...

beautiful !

Adam said...

Happy memorial day

SImple and Serene Living said...

Thank you. Happy Memorial Day.

This N That said...

Amen ! Happy Memorial Day

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Well said and perfect for the today....something we should remember year round.

Junkchiccottage said...

Beautiful. Happy Memorial Day.
xoxo
Kris

Carla said...

Well said. Thank you.

Carla from Kansas

BeachGypsy said...

That was just lovely-- thank you my friend from a proud mom of a soldier-- hes been to Iraq-- hes been to Afghanistan-- and so many other places. He is a pilot and we are so proud of him. Hope you had a real nice holiday!

Debby Ray said...

Just a beautiful heartfelt poem that says it all, Diana. Thank you for posting this solemn reminder. I hope your Memorial Day was blessed.

Susan Freeman said...

This is beautiful, Diana! Thank you!!

Petie said...

I loved this tribute. This memorial day meant more to me then all the other's for some reason. I listened to an interview about a spouse who lost her husband in the war, on focus on the family and it has stuck with me since I listened to it, and also, made me a bit weepy. I love our Country and the men and women who God created to fight for our freedoms with no conditions. God Bless America and the armed services and their families.

Kim said...

Lovely.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

A beautiful tribute :) My son and DIL rode with a motorcycle group to DC this year / other friends in PA rode to Flight 93 memorial / most heart wrenching are the ones visiting the local graves of the fallen

krishna said...

Very well said.. my eyes become moist.. :(

Creations By Cindy said...

What a precious post dear friend. Made my heart melt and brought tears to my eyes. I am trying to play catch up. With new baby that came last week and so much going on I have been behind. So glad I could stop by today and visit. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Nonnie said...

God bless the ones who served and the families of those who never made it back home.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Diana,
What a wonderful poem for Memorial Day and one that sheds light on the REAL meaning of the Holiday....
Hugs,
Deb

Angela said...

I'm catching up on my blog reading a little late after having a cold all week.
This Memorial Day poem is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it!

Saimi said...

I LOVE that poem!!! I'm catching up on my blog reading also, it's been very busy month. My dad, brother, and brother in law all served in the military. My heart goes out to every man and woman who serve and served. Thanks for posting this!

Ramblings of a Retired Lady said...

I am visiting for the first time, but loved the poem and your tribute to those who served this great country, and to those that are serving today.

CHERI said...

Remembering our veterans and our soldiers is so very important. My church always does a special Memorial Day service. Anyone who wants to can send in a photo of their veteran/s and/or soldiers. They are displayed on a screen as a beautiful song is sung. There are also very other meaningful parts to this service...including my son singing each year. No matter how many times I've seen it, the program always brings thanks to my heart and tears to my eyes. You wrote a lovely poem!

vaiybora said...
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