Just Rewards

This Memorial Day Weekend two million Americans will travel to spend time with loved ones,

Others will march in parades and attend memorial services for those who gave their lives so they could.

Veterans groups will decorate thousands of graves in cemeteries’ across the country

To remember the heroes as we all should.

My family has been exceedingly lucky.

In eight generations, we have not lost a single member in war

While others wept, we rejoiced and gave thanks for safe returns.

Each of the deaths rattled us to the core.

Those who died were brothers and sisters

Who stood next to our loved ones in foxholes, and behind sand dunes;

 From the American Revolution to wars in Iraq and Syria.

So give them their due with more than fireworks and patriotic tunes.

Just don’t forget, they earned the freedom we often take for granted.

                                                                ©2016 Bobbi Ann Duffy