Memorial Day 2009

I stepped out on the deck at dawn
Still weary from the weekend's play
And as I stifled back a yawn
I gazed out on the still new day

And as I stood there quietly
I heard a voice whisper to me,
'Remember! Freedom is not free
Honor them and their victory"

The flag was dancing on the breeze
Somewhere soft country music played
New buds swayed on the lilac trees
Oh what a day the Lord had made

The smell of baking filled the air
The children played out in the street
The day, bereft of all life’s care,
Was quiet, gentle and so sweet

And as I stood there quietly
I heard a voice whisper to me,
“Remember! Freedom is not free
Honor them and their victory”

There’s only peaceful laughter here
Where tyranny cannot prevail
For those in memory held so dear
Secured it through their great travail

On beach heads won and islands held,
In lands whose gratitude has waned
The blood of heroes is the weld
By which our freedom is sustained

To those who still must bear the cost
For all the peace that fills this day
And those who live with loved ones lost
Thank you is not enough to say

And humbled, I stand quietly
To share the words given to me,
“Remember! Freedom is not free
Honor them and their victory”