Here is a poem by a New Jersey poet named Joyce Kilmer who was killed during the first World War in 1918 at the age of 31:
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"MEMORIAL DAY POEM."
The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.
The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.
Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.
May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.
In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.
~By Joyce Kilmer 1917~
3 comments:
'Lest We Forget'. I never shall!!
A deeply moving poem and from a poet who life was taken so tragically early in the horrors of war - and for our freedom.
A poignant reminder to us and my prayers from the UK, I send to all in the U.S. - my admiration, respect and gratitude and above all my prayers to all.
I was so deeply moved by your post - I have placed a post on my blog - in appreciation to the U.S. Military.
Thank you for your kind comments, Peter. Joyce Kilmer is very near and dear to my heart, we are both from the same area in NJ.
I'm glad you appreciate the efforts of our military.
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