They chose to serve amid a time
Consumed by grief and strife
A group of comrades, in their prime
Who each paid with their life
They were our sons and daughters, true
Each was valiant and brave
And, while their earthen time is through
Their love lives ‘yond the grave.

They never thought about themselves
While on the battlefield
They kept their feelings upon shelves
Their faith served as their shield
Each held their family near their heart
And free will near their soul
Although their time came to depart
Each solider reached their goal.

These heroes served with dignity
Through every challenge faced
While fighting for the liberty
For years, we have embraced
This day, we pause in tribute
To the sacrifices made
By the souls whose final salute
Came while on freedom’s crusade.

© 2007 – Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection