A Tribute

It is nearly 10:00pm, Saturday evening.

I have been reading quietly in the living room

until the booms of a distant firework display

got my attention.

Looking out our large front window I am

unable to see the distinct images of each shell

but the flash and glow of light that correspond

to the booms are visible.

Now, we had passed the site of these fireworks

earlier today so they do not catch me by surprise.

They are part of a Memorial Day celebration.

What did cause me pause was the thought of the

many soldiers over the years who have heard such

noises and seen similar flashes just over the

horizon but with a much more serious meaning.

What would it feel like to know that eternity was

just about to look you in the face as bombs fell and

infantries marched? 

Would cannonballs soon be

whizzing past with great force? 

Was that last

letter written to your family the 

final words they

would receive from you?

Over the years many men, 

and more recently women as well,

have faced these realities 

in defense of home

and country. 

To stand for values and freedoms.

On this Memorial Day weekend I want to honor

those who have heard the coming danger and have

stood unwaveringly in its path 

for the good 

of those they love

and the freedoms they cherish.

Remembering those who have 

sacrificed their lifeblood

for you...and for me.