Here march countless stands of raised stones -
Witnesses to our national history.
Here lies eternal sleep of our heroes’ bones -
An indelible price in our nation’s memory.
Sad are the sounds of bugles that mourn your loss,
Bright are the flowers that deck your graves.
A few had borne for so many this heavy cross,
So the flag above us still yet waves!
As the sun must set after its appointed quest,
So shall we to God commend your souls to rest.
What prize honor, valor, what price peace,
In return for your loved ones’ endless days to grieve?
So the shining of Liberty’s light might not cease,
And the hallowed State of our Union’s won reprieve!
That was a sacred charge we could not afford to fail,
So the freedom of the people would prevail!
So long as free men live,
Our nation survives,
So will your memories live,
And your death gives lives!
So long as men heed this,
The strife among nations will be few;
And as freedom tree’s roots grow deep,
Their branches, in eternal vigil, will shelter and keep
This self-manifested covenant that no human rights can be refused,
And these, in turn, give life to you!
© October 1984, Paul F. J. Chow
[ Author's Note: This poem was originally called "Ode to the Fallen American Soldiers" and written after I'd seen a documentary on the 40th anniversary of D Day held at Normandy, France, for the American soldiers fallen during World War II. In my opinion, the only justifiable wars, as far as America is concerned, are The America Independence War, The Abolition War against slavery and the World War II against the Axis. This poem is now dedicated to all the fallen American heroes in defense of freedom. Whether or not we support our government's policy at those time of wars, but we must support our troops for the sacrifices they make. For some, their ultimate sacrifice, their lives!
A copy of this poem can also be found at The Web Archive. ]
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