POETRY IN MEMORIAL DAY MOTION

Recently I connected with a former high school graduate, Jane M Fouts-Johnson through Facebook.  Jane  had come across "My Father's Voice" through a mutual friend of ours.  In a couple of Facebook message exchanges, Ms. Fouts-Johnson proceeded to tell he how envious she was that I was free lance writing because she had always wanted to try her hand at that, but from a poetry standpoint. 

"Go for it" I suggested to her.  "Have some fun and just get going".  Since our exchange, I've seen a number of her works and I must say she is well on her way to carving out a following.  Which led me to the thought this morning that it would be fitting to honor our Veterans on Memorial Day with a couple of poems which would express our appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment in serving our country.

Our troops are dedicated to protecting us. Veterans Poems express our appreciation for the men and women in uniform who guarantee the freedoms we cherish, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice to do so. 

War is often thought to be a failure in human relations. In democratic nations however, war is considered the choice of last resort. Sometimes it is thrust upon well meaning countries in ways that makes it unavoidable.

In the face of such dire choices, the members of the armed services shoulder the load. They are the muscular arm of elected civilian governments, and they and their families shoulder the lion's share of the burden.  

But today's soldiers are more than just warriors. They are professionals who are engaged in peace keeping operations as well as nation building throughout the globe. 

If you know a veteran, whether in your family, a friend, or just an acquaintance, take a second to think about their service and let them know that you appreciate what they did or do to protect our basic freedoms.

So thanks to Jane for the idea in sharing some Veterans Poetry.  Take it away poets.....

WHAT IS AMERICA TO ME? by Irwin Dresner

A LAND OF LIBERTY, FREEDOM, AND DEMOCRACY,
THAT IS WHAT AMERICA IS TO ME.

YOU ARE AN AMERICAN,
I AM AN AMERICAN.
WE ALL ARE AMERICANS,
FROM THE HEART AND THE SOUL
OF US ALL YOUNG AND OLD.

SOME OF US ARE TOO YOUNG TO FIGHT,
SOME OF US ARE TOO OLD TO FIGHT,
BUT WE ALL DO OUR PART,
FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF OUR HEART.

OUR FOREFATHER’S FOUGHT TO KEEP US FREE,
AND NOW IT’S UP TO YOU AND ME.

LET’S TEACH OTHER COUNTRIES ABOUT DEMOCRACY,
SO THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN TYRANNY.

LET US ALL WORK FOR A WORLD AT PEACE
BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE,
OR WE WILL ALL SUFFER A HORRIBLE FATE.

LET US ALL WORK TO FIND THE SOLUTION,
TO A PLANET THAT’S FULL OF POLLUTION

OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS DESERVES A GOOD EARTH,
LIKE THEIR ANCESTORS HAD AT BIRTH.

WOULDN’T IT BE A DELIGHT,
IF ALL THE WORLD’S CHILDREN UNITE,
MAKING THIS PLANET ALL RIGHT.

LET ALL THE WORLD SCIENTIST’S GET TOGETHER,
SO THEY CAN WIPE OUT MOST ILLNESSES ALTOGETHER.

LET PEOPLE OF ALL RELIGIONS UNITE,
MAKING THIS TROUBLED WORLD ALL RIGHT

LET ALL PEOPLE TREAT ONE ANOTHER,
AS IF THEY WERE SISTER AND BROTHER

LET COLOR NOT BE CRITERIA FOR FRIENDSHIP,
BY SHOWING EVERYONE OUR FELLOWSHIP.       



Protecting Those Who Protected Us

American is this Hero by Roger Robicheau

In uniform standing tall

Ready, willing, and able
To march, the will to face all

The proudest of our service
Steadfastly meeting each call

The bravest of our country
As were those upon The Wall

Displaying awesome courage
A treasure you cannot install

Filled with total commitment
To serve us for the long haul

America know this Hero
Thank God and always recall

And my favorite from the mother of a Reservist.  It could very well be my wife talking to her two sons (Kris and Jonathan) who are in the Iowa National Guard.   

Lord, I cannot comprehend
The pain our soldiers endure
Or the sacrifice they make
To keep our freedom sure

May You dwell within them
And give them peace of mind
In their injured weakness, Lord
May it be Your strength they find

Draw them close to You
And answer their every doubt
Let them see You always near
Every time they want to shout

Only You know their thoughts
For You were always there
Never forsaking, Love abides
Always present, constant care

Silent heroes, wounded warriors
Ones that carry the pain
So I lift them up to You
To heal and make whole again

Parts of their bodies may be gone
But wholeness comes from within
You can use them, Lord
Just show them how and when

May they seek You daily, Lord
To get through life again
Embrace their hearts and minds
Wounded warriors will fight - and win

***

The enemy is now at hand
Depression, anger and pain
Use your training to face each one
And freedom from them gain

Warriors you will always be
Now fight for a different cause
The battle is the Lord's.
Think on that and pause

He's the Commander now
Your Eternal battle was won
The greatest Wounded Warrior
Was Jesus Christ, God's only Son

He lifted His eyes to God above
When pain was too hard to bear
He, too, thought he was forsaken
But God was always there

Stripes on His Holy back
Blood freely pouring down
He understands your every pain
And memories that cause a frown

He came out victorious
And can give you victory too
Rely on Him my wounded friends
Warriors, each one of you

I pray for courage and strength
To fight the battles ahead
Remember the Lord is near you
"I will never forsake thee!" He said. - by Lucy A. Cain 

On this Memorial Day be aware of those things around that have enabled you to have the freedom and security you do.  Look at the flag at little longer and appreciate all that it stands for......gaze a little longer as you pass that cemeterey and realize how fortunate we all are.  Thank you to all those that have served us.  Your memories will not be forgotten.

YGG,

John