Memorial Day Rhyme, with Apologies to John McCrae

 

Never been In Flanders Fields, where countless poppies grow,

'though I have seen Arlington's white crosses - row on row.

Walked the grounds where those who've fallen make their final bed;

Mourned each time we add another to our honored dead.

Don't forget the sacrifices that so many made

After some fresh wreath to Unknown Soldiers has been laid.

That is what this weekend's for so, when you see a flag,

Think of what it represents. (I know...  I'm such a nag.)

It's not just the start of summer - golf and barbeques -

Nor the day on which you can begin to wear white shoes.

It is row on row of markers - each one with a name -

Silent sentinels at rest beneath eternal flame.

A Veterans' Day Limerick

Saluting the women and men

Who serve and defend us all when

The country's in need;

Thus proving, by deed,

They're mightier than any pen.

The Middle East - Ready! Fire! Aim!

When I hear someone suggest the U.S. get involved -

Send our military in and get the problems solved -

Treating war as if it's just another kind of game,

I can't help but think they're shouting: Ready! Fire! Aim!

Arab Spring's resulted in a bitter Arab fall;

Adding yet, more weapons to the mix can't help, at all.

There are quite enough of those, but...  Refugees need food.

Starving people with no hope just sit around and brood.

If we want to see real change and want to play a part,

Giving all those displaced people aid would be a start.

I don't want to arm the rebels - gladly'd feed the poor...

But, until we care for vets we have, don't make some more.

Happy Memorial Day

When you're at your barbeque this weekend, don't forget -

If you love America and freedom - thank a Vet.

I don't mean a thanks with words for words have proven cheap...

We made Vets a promise but it's one we didn't keep.

They embody virtues that have made this country great;

It's disgraceful some of them are dying while they wait.

Situation's FUBAR at the VA, I'm afraid.

They don't have the staff and those they've got are underpaid.

Congress needs to spend the money now and screw the cost...

Right away! Before another soldier's life is lost.

There are no excuses for non-treatment of our Vets;

We owe them our sacred honor and must pay our debts.

Dear Veterans... You Honor Us

Happy Veteran's Day.  Thank you for your service.

If you see a person in a uniform today;

Navy blue or Air Force green or, even, Army gray,

Khakis, whites, or camouflage, whichever one they wear -

Take the time to thank them for protecting us out there.

But let's not forget the vets at home who've paid the price

Or their families who've also had to sacrifice.

'though they're out of uniform they, too, deserve our thanks.

All of them have honored us by serving in our ranks.

Thanks especially to my Dad and family friend, Derek McCann

Oh, and by the way, this is how we actually say "Thank you" to American veterans.