Memorial Day

Long were the nights

when you stayed awake

to watch for the enemy

with our country at stake.

There were miles to hike

over vast terrain,

and yet you did not question

what there was to gain.

Our freedom, our pride,

our simple way of life

was worth every hardship,

every struggle, every strife.

Under blistering skies

filled with gold, orange, and red,

Surrounded by thundering and crashes,

explosions sounding of dread.

Across endless sands of desert,

through minefields, under chicken-wire

in deep foliage of jungles,

you were there when all seemed dire.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

we thank you for your sacrifice,

for we do understand

that our lives came with a price.