" These Heroes All"

Kelly Long

Standing guard o'er Heaven's bounds, to duty called by God,

hearkening when the trumpets sound Saint Michael's call aloud ~

is a holy, brave brigade of men and women bold...

though their earthly life they've paid, o'er none has death a hold.

Heroes all, in virtue steeped, immune to evil's touch ~

they now with angels vigil keep, and still watch over us...

partnered with Almighty God, alive for evermore ~

members of His Honor Squad and free on wings to soar.

Each fell in bloody battle hard that we might e'er live free...

sacrificed on razored shards of cruel destiny.

Let not the banner they held proud, their caskets now which grace,

lie in tatters as a shroud ~ forgotten, soiled, disgraced.

Raise it high and in their names join those who carry on...

those still battling Satan's flames, their numbers few but strong.

Keep alive their legacy as they would wish it done,

their sacrifice to keep us free uniting us as one...

fight on for them, these Heroes all, and with each setting sun,

pray for those who still stand tall and from no evil run.

Remember as Taps softly plays and peaceful evening comes,

the price so many dearly paid ~ as many will to come.

Let we for whom they shed their blood e'er hold their memory dear;

champion well their fight for good and keep them ever near,

comfort those who brave their tears ~ protect their sacred cause;

in their darkest hours draw near and to their foes give pause.

Each time a comrade in their ranks is torn from earth's safe keep,

pay full your debt of lasting thanks as for each loss they weep.

And for the soldiers left behind to carry bravely on,

let us honor each in kind until the final dawn ~

until the fight in victory ends and they may finally rest...

to each your sworn support extend ~ these Finest, Bravest, Best.

This poem and "Warriors of the Shield" composed in Memory of

Patrolman Michael R. Hutchison of the Mansfield, Ohio Police Department,

who, at the age of only 29,  the Angels carried from the stark, wintry scene

of a Downed Officer Shooting into the warmth of Heaven's Light 

and the waiting Arms of God ~ a fallen Hero whose name joins 

so many enshrined in the Final Roll Call.

It is with reverance and everlasting gratitude for their Ultimate Sacrifice that

this Eternal Flame burns bright for Evermore ~ not just on this page, but

in countless grateful and forever saddened hearts throughout the world...

...In Everlasting Memory of Those Who Gave Their All.