A Veteran, in a wheelchair,
With family by his side,
Remembers fallen comrades
With emotions he can't hide.
A Veteran, placing a wreath,
To honor those who died,
Remembers fallen comrades
With dignity and pride.
A Veteran, standing all alone,
Sheltered from the rain,
Remembers fallen comrades
With never ending pain.
A Veteran, with trembling salute,
As the Honor Guard passes by,
Remembers fallen comrades
From all the wars gone by.
A Veteran, gazing across the stones,
As Taps was being played,
Remembers fallen comrades
And the sacrifice they made.
Memorial Day has brought us here,
To remember comrades we once knew,
Who served their country when called upon
And died for the Red, White and Blue.
Phil Thornton
1999
This poem reflects my observance during the Memorial Day service at Zachary
Taylor National Cemetary in 1999. What it conveys is that the memories of
those lost to conflict are forever missed and remembered by those who were
fortunate enough to serve with and know them. They will always be heroes
in our eyes.