Last Monday In May
We pause to remember those who died
With so much courage,
So much pride.
They'll never come back,
But memories endure
To remind us of freedom: fragile, pure.
We're worthy of their sacrifice
If we pause each day
Not just on the last Monday in May.
John T. Bird, Birmingham, Ala.
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies---they were heroes , every one.
And thought sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away.
And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
.
He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part,
Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start.
If we cannot give him honor, while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage, at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that would say,
“Our Country is in mourning, ‘cause a soldier passed away.
...........................................................
Please print this letter on Memorial Day, if possible. I want our veterans around the country to know they have not been forgotten.
I recently decided to visit some of the veterans in several nursing homes throughout Texas. I was especially interested in doing this since my father is a veteran of World War II, and I am a reservist in the U.S. Air Force. I thought the visits would be nice, but I was not prepared for what occurred.
I thought those veterans were regularly remembered, especially on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and so on, but I am sorry to say, this is not the case. These men and women who sacrificed so much to bring peace to the world, then came quietly home and rebuilt the nation, have virtually been forgotten and ignored. Our population no longer understands nor appreciates the sacrifices they made.
I wore my uniform when I went to visit these veterans. I had no idea how much that symbol would mean. I visited one man who had not spoken in four months. When I walked into his room and he saw my uniform, he sat straight up in bed, and his eyes lit up. I told him I wanted to express my appreciation for what he had done, and how honored I was to be in the presence of someone who had helped bring peace to the world. I gave him a miniature American flag as an expression of my gratitude. He took the flag, held it to his lips, grabbed my hand and said, “Thank you, thank you.” There was not a dry eye in the room.
In another nursing home, the Honor Guard from the Dyess Air Force Base presented the colors before the veterans. As the Guard entered, these wonderful vets, with tears streaming down their faces, placed their hands over their hearts and pledged allegiance to the flag they love.
I was honored to talk with men who landed at Normandy, fought in North Africa, Sicily, Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Bulge. I visited with men who survived the attack at Pearl Harbor and three years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. These quiet heroes wept and shared their cherished memories with me.
Today, the veterans of World War II are dying at the rate of 1,000 a day. Soon, they will all be gone. I implore every person not to waste another day. Sit by the side of these honorable men and women, and hear their stories. I encourage active-duty military personnel and reservists to put on their uniforms and visit our veterans. Tell them you care. It will be more rewarding than anything you have ever done in your life.
--Major James T. Patterson, USAFR, Texas
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with
the blood of patriot and tyrants".
--Thomas Jefferson
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