I wanted to share the following poem with the list. It seems to be very appropriate for Memorial Day. It was written by Charles Arthur Cowan (born 1861 Queen City, Schuyler Co., MO, died 1942 Athol, Smith Co., KS) He was a great-grandson of Hector Cowan of the Town of Stamford, Delaware County, NY. It was sent by one of his great-grandchildren. It's actual title is unknown. All honor then to the Pioneer Who conquered both hill and plain, They did it for us as a heritage And not for the love of gain. They bravely met each task as it came Their lives were filled with toil, They bore the heat of the long, long days And they burned the midnight oil. Their lives were spent in sacrifice As they labored through the years, They waged the battle with courage strong And had no time for tears. But time has taken its toll each year As the vacant chairs attest, They have filled their place in the busy world And have entered into rest. The Grim Reaper has come with ominous tread. We shrank as he paused at the door. Ere he passed on had taken his toll, Leaving many hearts saddened and sore. Sometimes we tire of the arduous tasks And we wish our race was won, But nothing is finished and finished right 'Till our work is fully done. Our eyes grow dim and the step less firm And the silver turned to gray, "Well done" was not of the faltering one Who stopped while in the fray. And still there linger in our midst A few that have reached four score, They're only waiting the final call To cross to the other shore. They are trusting their Senior who's gone before As he beckons with loving appeal, He is saying: Come, you have finished your course. Enter through into joys that are real.