They give us this day
to say that they remember.
There are those of us
who can never forget.
My Brothers, those who
did what you had to,
who did it when called,
who did it without stinting,
who did it with honor...
with courage...
with no thought but
to do the job...
(who did it, and didn't come back...)
I can't offer you monuments:
there is none greater
than the sacrifice you made.
I can't offer you medals:
the country you fought for
has sent them home to those
for whom they'll be
cold comfort.
I can't offer you reasons:
that your country asked
was all the reason
you needed.
I can't offer you
anything
but what you have already:
Rest, in the sure knowledge
that the job was done.
Peace, and after war
what more is there?
So, here's all I have left
to give.
The thanks of a comrade.
The memory of a brother...
and a soldier's tears.
Rest well.
© eric lee
Author notes
This is not featured to get comments; it's just pulled up for attention, as a tribute for Memorial Day.
Please feel no obligation to comment or guilt if you didn't "make my points worthwhile"...I've got no better use for them anyway than this.
Written May 31st, 2001
A contest entry
- Poems, By Military- Past And Present by ValleyOfEchoes.
600 points, ended December 29, 2005, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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This made me even prouder to be an American. I'm not ashamed to say I had a tear in my eye reading it.
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we do need to remember those who gave their lives to make this country free!
kudos my friend!
Keep penning on one stroke at a time!
Bill
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Hmm it touched me and i felt the sadness in it. That reminds me of some of the letters we have been sharing at the front. So many hopes and prays from the pople at home and in so many languages. Damn i need a beer...this is waking memories in me...
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How so very sad, the resting in peace of our deceased veterans, so touching to see as we do remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms, thank you for entering and good luck in the contest..Linda
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I must admit, this isn't a new work...but there are three or four days in every year when every soldier who made it home has to stop and realize again that he walked back here over the bodies of his comrades in arms.
It isn't much, but I always try, at least, to remember to say 'thanks'. -
yah, it was a good day. i enjoyed the ceremonies. the laying of the wreath at the tomb of the unknown was especially moving this year.
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Thank you for this tribute to our soldiers. I really appreciated the reminder this memorial day!
Jennifer -
Brilliant
this is brililant.
it completely took my breath away, and i want to congratulate you on a great great write.
keep it up
reg
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