I watched the flag pass by one day, it fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it, and then stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform so young, so tall, so proud
with eyes alert, my own grandson, Josh...The Marine.

I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years,
~How many died on foreign soil~How many Mother's tears fell?
as our flag drapes the coffin in reply.

No, Freedom isn't Free...Our Armed Forces make it so.
God Bless America, May Freedom Reign and Be the Purpose.

(c)copyright04July2010vivianldawson
 

" If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days"

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."