Today, I remember,
all that was given,
all that was lost;
those who fought and died,
never to return,
theirs was the cost.
The ones who were injured,
some visible, some not,
nameless faces;
of past and of present,
fighting, ever fighting,
for truth, liberty and justice.
We honour their service,
honour all, their bravery,
those too in an unmarked grave;
I promise as I stand here today,
to work to be worthy,
for the gift that they gave.
I will never forget,
for they deserve the fame;
those who have fought,
it was their sacrifice,
and that of their family,
with which my freedom was bought.
It takes great courage,
to step outside your fear,
and walk into the war;
leaving loved ones behind,
to carry on daily,
as you journey far.
Greater courage even still,
to walk the enemy line,
knowing you may not return;
this is the bravery,
of every soldier,
something never to spurn.
So take heed,
my young ones,
and listen well;
the story of war,
guns and violence,
is a hard one to tell.
For those that died
were ones we’ve loved,
and they died for you;
so that you can run free,
take mind child,
of how you act and what you do.
Be worthy of the gift,
and never forget,
the ones who paid the price;
and before you take up arms,
against neighbour or countrymen,
stop and think thrice.
As for me,
I shall remember,
as I stand here today;
the gift they gave,
the price they paid,
and so for them, I pray.
May God grant them all,
peace and rest eternal,
and for those living yet;
may we cherish them always,
never forget the cost,
and forever thank the Vet.
© Leslie C Dobson
If you liked this poem, you can find additional ones on the poetry page of my website.