Congratulations and appreciation to all fellow veterans on this Veterans Day of 2017!
Q
Requiem to the American Soldier
Mine
eyes have searched the battlefields, two hundred years ago,
And
fixed upon my Fathers...with crosses row-on-row.
Their
blood has nourished Courage and Ardent Virtue bought.
They
stood in battle bravely - and fought the wars they fought.
The
mist of years have softened, but the battle’s heat I feel:
Their
lines sway like a banner as they charge up San Juan Hill.
In
timeless sleep they stagger, beneath a khaki sky,
But
stand forth ever ready, to fight, to win, or die.
On
Chickamauga’s creek beds, and Santiago’s slopes
They
fought as ones be-knighted, defending cherished hopes.
From
the Ardennes’ bloody contest, to the walls of old Bastogne
American
blood and courage Have gained the Heights alone.
The
shots at Concord township, join those of Gettysburg,
And
those fired at Fort Sumter, around the world were heard.
The
beaches red at Normandy, and those of Inchon’s shores
Were
bought and paid by courage, yet still the battle roars.
The
Marines on Iwo Jima, and Troops at Kasserine Pass,
Gave
force to Freedom’s mandate, that right prevail at last.
The
Airmen over Bremen, and Naval Guns at Guam,
Brought
thunder out of Heaven, ere Peace could bring the Calm.
On
Mekong Delta’s paddies, and Khe Son’s rugged slopes
The
Grand Old Flag was lifted, with clear and crispy notes.
America’s
youth and valor, were tested, tried and torn
But
pressed on proud and bravely, despite the Traitor’s scorn.
To
you, you Knights of Valor, Press on the torch of Right.
Reclaim
the trailing Ensign, Restore the Shining Light.
The
Light of Freedom’s promise, The hope of present years,
Are
now the struggle’s object, Though won through Sweat and Tears.
A
City, Bright and Gleaming, stands grandly on the Rise.
The
blood-bought fruits of Freedom beneath the Azure Skies,
Are
all our Fathers fought for, and freely bled and paid
So
you and I could know them, before the glory fades.
With
God our hope established in pastures Green with Love
And
all our National Treasures, a gift from Him above,
We
have no right to wander from Truth or Light or Trust,
But
to the Throne of Mercy, our March is Good and Just.
~©2003,
Jerry Ogles, Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church