Memorial Day Message
I created three songs in honor of Memorial Day (May 25). Two were created from my previously published poems. The third was created specifically in honor of our fallen heroes for Memorial Day. I hope they may bring some comfort both to all who served or are currently serving in uniform, and to the Gold Star families whose loved ones never came back home, fighting for their families, their comrades in arms, and the country they loved. Heroes all. May God Bless them and their families who share in their sacrifice.
All three songs are accessible free of charge without having to register or provide any information at the links below. The Lyrics are also printed below. Feel free to share the links with anyone you think may enjoy them, and especially for active duty and retired military and their Gold Star Families. The debt we owe them is one we can never fully repay. Never forget them. If able, please also consider donating time or money to organizations that support our fallen and injured heroes and their families.
Death of a Quiet Soldier:
https://suno.com/s/Diu2XtL0vZgme84E
Remembering Our Fallen [On Memorial Day]:
https://suno.com/s/TDIL41TRtJXOGkbx
Remember Them Today and Every Day:
https://suno.com/s/qmYaReUu9MgkiUHY
LYRICS / POEMS
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER
The following is based on an actual mission by special operators behind enemy lines -- quiet soldiers all that go on the most dangerous missions without fanfare, news coverage, or acknowledgment other than by their brothers and sisters in arms. Heroes one and all. ___________________________________________
The following sonnet is based on a true story related to me by a family member who is a special operator. I am reprinting it here as a reminder of the sacrifice our men and women in uniform endure to pay for the freedom we enjoy. Please remember our fallen and their families this Memorial Day--and every day. ("Quiet soldiers" is a term some special forces members use to describe themselves.)
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER
Behind enemy lines you gave your life,
The risks you knew and embraced willingly,
Red, black and green berets fought by your side,
And brought your body back to family.
Later in a ritual of their own,
They would name a field airport in your name,
And honor you, your brothers, far from home,
Their memory now your eternal flame.
I do not know your rank, your name, your face,
I only know that I am in your debt,
Who for your family can take your place?
Our debt to them we must never forget.
The freedom I enjoy comes thanks to you,
And all who serve with honor, proud and true.
REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN
Freedom is your legacy,
Paid for with your precious life,
Far from home and family,
In wars both wise and unwise.
I walk in light thanks to you,
Teach, write, speak, think without fear,
And our flag flies proud and true,
Beacon of hope through the years.
I stand proudly for our flag,
Hand over heart as I sing,
Our Anthem whene’r it plays,
As my voice cracks and eyes sting.
Emotions run high for me,
Not from empty foolish pride,
But because in her I see,
Your most poignant sacrifice.
Freedom comes not from its wish,
Nor peace from prayers on their own,
They come from soldiers like you,
Who selflessly gave their all.
I carry you in my heart,
Every day of every year,
The debt I owe you cannot,
Be repaid in words or tears.
Rest in peace, beloved dead,
May God grant you honors due,
Today I will fly our flag,
And in it always will see you.
REMEMBER THEM TODAY AND EVERY DAY
[Verse 1]
Some came back home with scars that would not heal,
Some were welcomed with ticker tape parades,
Some spit upon by cowards with much zeal,
Some draped in flags to rest in early graves.
[Chorus]
Remember them, today and every day,
For those who live and all who died please pray.
[Verse 2]
They fought in all our wars asking not why,
For country, family, brothers in arms,
They fought that freedom should not, would not die,
They fought in cities, forests, fields and farms.
[Chorus]
Remember them, today and every day,
For those who live and all who died please pray.
[Bridge – Instrumental]
[Verse 3]
They bought our freedom with their sacrifice,
Paid with their blood, their limbs, their innocence,
They sought not thanks, though no thanks could suffice,
As payment for their great munificence.
[Outro]
Remember them, today and every day,
For those who live and all who died please pray.