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Remembering the Fallen

As we approach Memorial Day, I recalled that I go on a campaign every year at this time for this holiday. It's important to remember--remember our history lessons, remember the price paid for freedom, remember what our lifestyle cost our ancestors. Looking at poetry helps accomplish that.

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

We know her for her poem about trees. But here we see her patriotic side, and the influence of war on her imagery.