I wrote this for Memorial Day
a few years ago but I think it is
relevant every day.
This means even more to me after I
volunteered at the VA Center here
before Covid hit.
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 late nephew, Scott,
injured in the war and died from chemicals
used while he was a solider,
my father, my Uncle Samuel,
my foster brother, Eugene,
my old schoolmate, Tom Babcock and
my friend I met blogging, Kurt Keys.
Sadly, Kurt Keys wife informed me
that he passed away
last year after suffering for years
from service related injuries.
And To All Our Soldiers-
34 comments:
That was a beautiful to commemorate our fallen heroes. Yes, they gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thanks to all who didn't make it home.
This is so beautiful Diana! Your powerfully spoken rhyme speaks truth that we have so much to be thankful for! Our freedoms are not free!
Beautiful!
We take freedom for granted, and never should that be. Sacrifice is the ultimate gift to us all.
...thank you Diana, our 23 year grandson who an Army medic will soon be deployed!
The Trump Administration's policies towards veterans doesn't show any respect whatsoever.
Beautiful poem, Diana. You've expressed so many great thoughts and ones that tug at your heart. Thanks to all who have served and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thanks for reminding us all of the great sacrifice so many have made for our freedom. Hope your holiday weekend is both joyous and reflective.
Diana, Nana Diana, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this perfect tribute to our Troops and fallen ones whose Day is Today and every day in our memory, hearts and prayers.
Wonderful post, Diana. To bad the president doesn't feel the same way.
It's good to see you! How are you and your husband? Any news?
I don’t know if we can ever appreciate what some have given and sacrificed so that we can live free. I am grateful. Thanks for sharing this again.
Beautiful, Diana! Thank you for expressing so wonderfully what's in my heart.
Just wanted to say hello.
Thanks for the great write-up. Sending good wishes your way.
What a beautiful post..thank you for sharing. Like many others, our family has served for many generations, proudly. Have a safe and blessed day, hope you and your husband are well, you are special people. xo, Virginia
I remember you mentioning your friend Kurt before. So sorry to hear he passed away. I'm also sorry to hear about your nephew. My brother-in-law also was exposed to those chemicals in Vietnam. I hope you are doing Ok, Diana, and wishing you pleasant June days ahead.
love you, friend.
~Sheri
Oooops, that was me.....forgot to sign in. ; )
A beautiful poem, Diana. My stepfather's father and uncle served in WWI. One came home; one didn't. Several of my uncles served in the navy during WWII.
Well done, Diana. Beautiful.
I don't know of anyone personally who passed while serving but my son lost buddies while he was in Iraq. So for them and all the others I say thank you and you are remembered.
Beautiful poem.
Beautiful poem and how sweet and heart felt to pay tribute to friends and family that gave so much for all of us. I think all of us know of someone or many that served in the past wars so we can be free. I pray for all of them and their families. Such a loss to burden. Have a good Memorial Day. Hugs. Kris
We all are the recipients of those that fought for our freedoms, that we sometimes take for granted! So thankful we are putting more into our military to support our troops! Just beautiful reading this again! It's a powerful and meaningful poem!
Hugs, Roxy
Amen!!!
A wonderful tribute!
Thank you for sharing this again. Beautiful tribute!
I remember this. I'm so glad you shared it and hope your day was a good one.
Diana this is just beautiful. What a wonderful way to remind us that our freedom cost so many their lives and their health. Bless you for this lovely post. Hugs!
This is absolutely beautiful, my dear friend. Thank you for sharing it here. I pray all is well in your world.
Praying along with you my friend.
Love, Carla
Beautiful Diana! It will always be relevant..
That's beautiful, Diana. I am re-watching all of Outlander and right now Jami is fighting for Independence from England, and I have been thinking about the cost of our freedom so much lately.
Home of the free because of those brave. Thank you to them all - and I am sorry for your losses. ♥
Beautiful post.
Sending my good wishes Diana.
All the best Jan
Beautiful post and tribute. I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
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