THIS HALLOWED LAND As I composed this verse, tears melded with the words, as I remembered those friends and acquaintances whose lives were taken. With the utmost gratitude and honor, I offer my deepest respect to those brave young men and women who gave their last full measure, and to those who endured enormous physical and mental hardships in the defense of our homeland. It has been said that only the good die young. Most did not want to die, they just wanted to get back home and live the life that most of us enjoy. They just wanted to be near their loved ones, grow up, marry and raise their children. They just wanted a house, a car, some conveniences, to live in the suburbs, and take photographs on a Sunday afternoon. They just wanted to teach their sons to play baseball, ride a horse, and throw a football. They did not want to point a gun at another human, nor take the lives of other individuals. Their lives were snuffed out so very young, but they did want to do whatever they could, or whatever was necessary, to permit others like you and me to enjoy this hallowed land. MEMORIAL DAY The Day of Infamy, sixty years ago this year Somehow, the memory is ever so clear. It was in a harbor, the name of Pearl, An American Flag remained unfurled. It was a morn of sunshine clear, The birds could be heard in every ear. A thunderous roar came out of the West, The direction of the sweet robin's nest. A soldier's thoughts were that of home, For now he seemed to be so very alone. The bombs came, they rained their hell! Soldiers, flyers, sailors, and people fell. A bomb fell so very close by, A soldier was heaved high into the sky. Those last few moments of his life, He dreamed of a world without strife. He longed for the folks back home, A girlfriend not, for he was alone. His thoughts were of Mom and Dad As the life from this young man bled. And now once a year in this month of May, >From his grave, this soldier has his say. Remember me, and my comrades at arms, Bless those that keep this country from harm. -- Grady Fuller .·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·. *: * Richiele * * *·. .·* `*·-:¦:-*´ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³