PASSING AWAY

They're passing, they're passing,
They're going fast away.
All the old, old men,
Now so thin and gray.
Once so strong and brave,
 They fought with fear and won.
From the fields and towns,
So young to tote a gun.

 They didn't run and hide,
Or shun the battle call.
They served our nation proudly,
Though thousands soon would fall.
Killed across the oceans,
Torn bodies in the mud.
Given for our freedom,
A sacrifice of blood.

This life we take for granted,
Was earned by old gray men.
Fifty years of freedom,
 Instead of might have been.
 The women, young and old,
Gave them their support.
These men, they conquered evil,
'Cause others held the fort.

Though millions died before,
Our boys saved the world.
Billions more were spared,
When they our flag unfurled.
Many have forgotten,
But I, I never will.
So many have gone on,
But some are passing still.

Andrew H. Ellis
 2.2.95 Copyright 2007