Pages

Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day by Joyce Kilmer



The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.



9 comments:

  1. Anne, this and your previous posts are both wonderful tributes to our fallen heroes! I am so sorry to hear about James. If ever I am in D.C., I would be honored to look up his name, and thank him privately, but personally, for his bravery and service for our country! ~tina

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Anne, That is a wonderful post and tribute. Thank You so much. And Thank You for stopping by today. Julian

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such a pretty, classic poem.
    Hope your day has been a good one.
    xo bj

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anne, what a beautiful post and a touching tribute to what this day really means. Thank you for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Anne, how appropriate for Memorial Day. And here I just blather on about a gorgeous weekend. And only feel a tiny bit redeemed by going to the parade, and saluting (clapping) for everyone in it.
    Thank you so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Anne, I visit Linda frequently and will head over there..

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope you had a nice day - I feel so lucky and blessed to have been born in the good old USA! sandie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh my word what a beautiful poem. I have never heard that before.

    ReplyDelete