It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
--Kelly Strong--
Happy Memorial Day!
7 comments:
Rebecca, I can tell our souls were in the same journey today. We title our posts the same. I'm convinced of that fact and that is the reason why I do not take anything for granted. We shall continue to blessed, pray, honor and show our appreciation to our servicemen and their families. Thanks for remembering, Marta.
PD I have been emotional all weekend long, probably because we live in a mostly military community. Then we rented the movie The Messenger and Dear John. Arg, didn't planned it that way. I have me a good cry. A lot of beautiful posts on MD. Blessings
I appreciate your post today. Anyone who has lost a loved one on has a family member in harm's way understands and feels the tug in their heart. God Bless
I so agree with you, honey. I saluted the veterans today also. I'm the daughter, wife, mother and sister-in-law of Marines. I loooooove our military who fight for our freedoms and protect my country and ME...
xoxo,
Connie
Hello, Happy Memorial Day. What a beautiful post! I agree with you and continue to pray for our servicemen. I'm still making my Happy Birthday Pink Saturday visits. Your pink post is adorable! I'm having a giveaway please stop by and enter when you have time.
Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage
Thank you for your post, they need all the prayers. And especially the families left behind.
Blessings for a safe Memorial Day
Beautifully written Rebecca.
Have you heard the song called "Arlington" by Trace Adkins? REALLY tugs at your heart strings . . . we as a nation have a lot to be grateful for.
Have a wonderful day! Karen
Hi Rebecca, this is such a beautiful post. Happy Memorial Day!
Debby
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