Memorial Day
All gave some, and some gave all.
Memorial Day
A holiday is on the way;
another time for weekend fun.
Another day off work to play,
too bad it’s only one.
All the Nation celebrates
and gears up for that day.
The “holiday” is designated
the last Monday in May.
“Indy” races, Picnic baskets,
Lounging by the pool.
Kids enjoying their day off,
glad they’re out of school.
Consider this! Troops are dying…
while you’re reading this.
All those things that have been mentioned
“they” are going to miss.
Our fallen troops who died in service
now and in the past…
Should receive our gratitude
for fighting to their last.
The freedoms won in battle
achieved by their lives lost.
Reflect upon their sacrifice;
they’ve paid the highest cost.
Our Nation’s flag will be half-mast
to commemorate this day.
Parades are held with our flags flying
as they pass your way.
Boy scouts, girl scouts, police and fireman
…fraternal orders too…
Commemorate our fallen troops
who died for me and you.
I too will languish in the peace
achieved by those who died.
I’m grateful for my freedoms won…
they fought to turn the tide.
I salute their bravery
and their sacrifices made.
I’m living in a country …free…
and one I’d never trade.
It’s true the idle time we spend
with those we love that day…
Reinforces facts of life
for our freedoms, they did pay.
So when that day arrives for you
please give a silent prayer.
For those who fought, and those who died,
and still are over there.
©C.C. April 30, 2007
“It is rather for us the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us–that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion–that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
November 19, 1863