Memorial Day

Courageously they stormed the beaches of Normandy with valor,
Some fought to the end when sucker punched at Pearl Harbor,
Some plodded ahead through dangerous fields laced with mines,
Others marched in formation on Pacific Islands doing double time,
Some drove jeeps, helicopters, thanks, or flew fighter jet planes, 
All bravely displaying Old Glory and fighting in America's name,
Soldiers fighting for this land of the free and home of the brave,
Fighting for freedom, a family, community, and country to save,
Sacrificing limbs, health, and some giving the ultimate sacrifice,
Considering freedom of infinite more value than the loss of life,
Some came home wounded carrying the marks of battle scars,
Some came back in flag draped caskets driven in hearse cars,
Some came back wounded in the mind fighting traumatic stress,
Families set by helplessly watching soldiers endure the test,
Today we stop to remember those who fought on Memorial Day,
We remember those who grieve such a heavy price they pay,
We do not take for granted such tremendous pain and great loss,
God understands, He paid our steep ransom with Jesus on the cross.