For my father, Jim Russell (USN), my uncle, Jack Frye (USN), my grand-aunt Wanda Webb (USA), and to Karla Dorman, the Stormspinner (USAF)

I remember them,
Those men and women
Who gave their limbs,
Their peace of mind,
Their very lives,
So that I
Can attend a church
Of my choosing,
Walk down a street
Unaccompanied,
With my face and head
Uncovered
And unbowed,
And so that I
Can drive a car
And speak freely
From my heart
On matters
Other cultures
Would forbid a woman
From discussing,
Who would consider a woman
Too insignificant
To be taken seriously.
Without them
And their sacrifices,
I would not be
Sitting here,
Sharing my thoughts
And living
My everyday life
Without fear
Of oppression
And retribution.
Thanks to them,
Each and every one
Of them,
I am free
In heart, mind,
And spirit.
May God bless
Them that lived
And Them that died;
And may God
Continue to bless
This land
They consecrated
With their courage
Their dignity,
And their blood.