Sunday, May 27, 2012

A Tribute

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, honoring the dead soldiers on both sides of our American Civil War. As with any holiday that becomes a three-day weekend, the original vision becomes obscured as feasting and travel overtake memory. The celebrations should continue - but they must be joined with solemn reflection on the many men and women who have died in our nation's service. Regardless of politics or policies, this is a good day to reflect on the fallen and remember the sacrifices of our service women and men. Here is my tribute.


Thank You

We do not know why the bullet found you
And your buddies made it home
But we remember.

Your red cross did not stop the shrapnel
But a another soldier lives today
Because you were there.

You jumped on the grenade
And saved all the platoon
These flowers are for you.

In two days you were going home
To meet your new daughter
And the sniper found your heart.

We buried you with honor
Handed a flag to a tearful clan
Thank you for loving us more than life.

We will recall your smile
Through misty eyes we will wait
Until the Day we see you again.


Left or Right, Black or White, rich or poor, we are all enjoying the freedom secured by the brave. Let us take a moment of silence, listen to Taps and offer prayers of peace for the families picking up the pieces of dreams shattered by the visit of a chaplain. And let us labor daily for a world without war.