Memorial Day 2017

On this Memorial Day over the beer and barbecue grills

The beginning of summer and vacation thrills

If but for a minute we can pause and reflect on those vets who for us have been killed

Pay homage to sacrifice that due to them our flag waves proudly still

The Greatest Generation is almost completely gone but not before defeating an evil scourge

The dreams and hopes of Japanese and Nazi tyranny to purge

Waiting in the wings as the snow in their lives begins to collect

The vets of Korea who stood up again and the tyranny of conquest rose up to reject

And in the fall of their lives with the trees now bare

The men and women of Nam are beginning to the same fate share

The men and women today in the never ending struggle against radical Islam

No battle lines, only IEDs and suicide bombs

All were in their youth happy and gay

Too many lives cut short by the dogs of war in display

Each year a dwindling number of combat tested vets

Each year a dwindling number when it comes to serving, a time to forget.

On this Memorial Day honor those who have been wounded or who have served, been wounded or  died

Brave men and women in uniform across the ages who have pushed evil losers of tyranny aside.  

© May 29, 2017, Michael P. Ridley aka the Alaskanpoet 

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