"Reason to Remember", A Memorial Day Poem

Since we were recognizing Memorial Day at church today, I wrote a poem which I read to the congregation. My husband was so touched with it that he asked me to share it with others. I decided to place it on my blog so that you might receive a blessing from its meaning. The copyright poem is entitled, "Reason to Remember".

I have a reason to remember,
A soldier gave me the word;
Not verbally, but through his life,
Suffered much, leaving children and wife.

Remembering from old stories told
About those whose heroic deeds unfold-
From recent wars and wars from long ago,
I now have many, many heroes.

I was told of the poppies in Flanders Field
Where soldiers fought and to death did yield.
I have touched the names on the different walls:
Korea, Vietnam; hundreds of heroes did fall.

I watched the soldier stand so tall and proud
In Arlington Cemetery, awed by a silent crowd.
The tears somberly fell on many saddened faces
As we stood in awe of the crosses marking their places.

I now have a reason to remember this day;
I have my freedom, so to all soldiers I say,
"Thank you for your sacrifices, for your dedication
To America, the Beautiful, our God-fearing nation."

Written By: B. Emily Atkinson
Copyright, May 2008