MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE – My poem, “Arlington”, written with my heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices of our brave defenders.
“Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
“ARLINGTON”
It was in the mid 50’s, and I’ll never forget it.
I was standing in Arlington Cemetery, my eyes full of regret.
Regret, that these precious lives were lost while protecting our country.
Regret, that the world had become a place unlike it was meant to be.
But these brave souls were fighting for a great cause.
They knew that in order to be a free country, there would be a cost.
But they loved this land and were fighting to preserve it.
They’d fight to the death, for their loved ones’ futures depended on it.
As I looked at the perfect rows of tombstones, my eyes were filled with pride.
Love of family and country was embedded in all these heroes who had died.
Solemn reverence emanated from the Guard standing watch. He didn’t even twitch.
Not even during the “changing of the Guard”, did he flinch.
Although only some of these brave ones’ bones lie beneath this sod,
The souls of all these brave men and women reside in Heaven, with God.
Their bodies are spread across our land or another land far from home.
On Memorial Day, with “bouquets of flowers” at the graves, we honor them.
Arlington Cemetery is not merely a “cemetery”, it’s a symbol.
A symbol of the realization that dreams are possible, but costly.
A symbol that says, “ Freedom is worth whatever the cost.”
A symbol that says, “I am willing to sacrifice my life for that great cause.”
May our flag fly freely.
May the eagle soar.
May the Statue of Liberty torch reach high into the sky.
May we all rest peacefully in the Palm of God’s Hand!
Carole Schossow
