We can never fully repay the debt of our proud nation to those who have laid down their lives for our country. The best we can do is honor their memory, ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain, and help provide for their families.
quote by Susan Collins
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
The Few, The Brave
As proof of our remembrance, we lay a flag by each and every grave;
With perpetual solemnity, we ensure that it shall always wave
Under the free skies of the land that they and our forebears created:
For God, Duty and Country-they never hesitated
To serve with Honor and Valor for a higher purpose;
All gave some, and some gave all-all, in service
To a most grateful nation, which must always remember,
Whether on a Summer morn in May, or a blustery one in September:
If not for their bravery, indeed, their sacrifice, we'd not be free!
Surely, if I did not take time to pause, I'd not be me-
Because I stand under free skies, and make my very own choices
All because, even from hallowed graves, they provide us voices
In all we do, see, hear, touch, and feel.
No one may blind or mute us, and steal
This freedom away-we will fight as fiercely as they
Should any try-and would rather die than give it away.
This is how we need honor them, each and every day:
To live as they would have, in each and every way.
They did not die in vain, they perished as noble defenders
Of Liberty at all costs, in a world of raucous pretenders.
Their Valor was as uncommon as they were brave;
Due this Gallantry, Freedom and Democracy were saved
From the depths of tyranny, and totalitarian subjugation-
Not the cornerstones upon which to build a nation!
We, the 'many', need always appreciate 'the few, the brave':
Their sacrifice ensures that the flag shall always wave!
-Maurice Harris,29 May 2012
poem by Maurice Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Flags & Tears & Heros
' For every flag, for every tear, for every Soldier loss.
A pride for One's Country and Freedom rings in Honor and Glory.
To die for Our Country is the most Distinguished Honor.
To all the fallen Soldiers and their Families,
There is never enough Thanks and Salutes for the Honor You gave to this Country.
Your Life is precious to all and you will be missed and remembered.
Watch over us in your new Mission from above.
The Sun will always remind us for the scarify you gave, to make it shine so bright.
The wind is your soul to touch our lives. TY for All you did My Fellow HEROS! ! ! ! '
poem by Michael Peterson
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Amongst The Heroes
When God calls me Home, and Eternal Life greets me,
Promise that, at the very least, this one honor meets me:
Lie me down amongst the heroes, one of which I longed to be-
With one American flag, which belonged to me!
Once the mourners have scattered and the grave is filled,
Say a silent prayer for us, which honors the blood we spilled,
And the courage we displayed, 'For God And Country';
With my earthly death comes an Empyrean Life, which He would want me
To embrace and want you to accept, in all its glory;
I implore you-do not allow those left behind to forget our story:
We selflessly sacrificed, '...so that others may live'.
Please ensure our memory remains pervasive,
Amongst all left behind, to provide for inspiration;
Help us leave this last gift, for our great nation!
poem by Maurice Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
America's fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed.
quote by Allen Boyd
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
The Sacrifice They Made
While you are in the midst of revelry,
Take pause, to pay tribute to the bravery
And honor possessed, by those, for whom this day is set aside;
Do this not out of coerced obligation, but out of pride,
In the knowledge that it is the sacrifice they made
That allows you to lay the plans you have laid-
For cookouts, pool parties, and gatherings with friends;
It is people like them today, whose courage defends
The liberties we have, which most take for granted.
Men and women of honor, who ensure we still reap the freedom He planted-
His gift for His children, where allegiance is assumed,
Where defense of same ensures its presence is never presumed.
I implore you, each and all, remember always the sacrifice they made,
So that we may live a life of freedom, ever-obliged, yet unafraid!
poem by Maurice Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
On Patriotism (An acrostic)
You love your motherland –
One, where you were born and nurtured in
Unknown ways, most miraculously.
Love your Motherland with heart and soul;
Only your own country is the safest for you;
View its landscape, gorgeous and beautiful;
Every fellowman is your brethren.
You must be proud of its rich heritage;
One shouldn’t forget how freedom was got;
Unite against forces that separate;
Repay your country’s love by sacrifice.
May be, your country is not very rich;
Only its culture is so remarkable;
Traditions must be followed with pride;
Honor your national flag;
Every citizen is duty-bound;
Religions shouldn’t serve to foment fights;
Love the soil that feeds you all through life;
Astound the world by your patriotism;
Nothing’s more sacred and valuable than your Motherland;
Die, if need be, for your country’s sake!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 8-29-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
This debt crisis coming to our country. The wall and tidal wave of debt that is befalling our nation. Medicare and Social Security go bankrupt within ten years, we have a debt that is looming so high that in the last year of President Obama's budget just the interest payments on our debt is $916 billion dollars.
Families are the tie that reminds us of yesterday, provide strength and support today, and give us hope for tomorrow. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, or well-managed, can provide what our families provide.
quote by Bill Owens
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
A beautiful song
You must praise your country in songs
It is absolutely right and nothing wrong
Your country should be placed top among
Its honor and prestige may last very long
It generates lots of feeling at heart and mind
It creates enthusiasm and one can be easily find
It bounds people to come together and relish
In natural crisis too it is battle for fight to finish
National sentiments run high in blood and raise patriotism
It gives rise to the feelings of nationalism
Nation can stand together and bear the onslaught
Battles are won if they are vigorously fought
National spirit to sacrifice the life arises out of devotion
To die for nation is the only way and it sets in motion
What a way to die for motherland and emerge as hero?
Country will be reduced to nothingness and almost to zero
Songs have enough power to appeal to the masses
It needs no special coaching or classes
It is emancipation of desired sentiments
That can result into popular movement
We have witnessed how defeat can result into victory?
It is still live and fresh in our memory
Everybody may feel proud and not cut sorry
Nation can survive and remain at peace without any worry
Basically human beings are social animals
They may react lately and wait for catstrophies arrival
It is human weakness and can’t be remedied
It has to be given importance and studied
When there is development or emergence of defeatism?
Nothing can infuse new thoughts or optimism
It is arrival of new spirit in the minds at critical hour
People wake up to the call and die for honor
Who cares and longs for bonded life for ever?
It is never dreamed of and wished forever
The attainment of freedom is top most priority
It has deep impact in its continuity
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Obligation Of Remembrance
Champions of freedom, each and every one;
We solemnly remember thee, for all the battles you have won,
With valor, honor, and wholly selfless dedication;
You served served God, and a country in need of your protection,
From those who sought our liberty's end;
Without regard for your own life, you stood to defend
The very precepts that make our country great!
When the call to arms came, you did not hesitate
To stand, and be counted, amongst a very select few;
Freedom is not free-its price was paid by men and women, like you!
On behalf of a grateful nation, with an obligation of remembrance,
Thank you for your sacrifice-I know this fails, as recompense,
Yet, it is all that I now possess, to bestow,
Upon so many brave souls, I had not, the honor, to know!
poem by Maurice Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
We owe our World War II veterans - and all our veterans - a debt we can never fully repay.
quote by Doc Hastings
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
By strengthening the economy, providing job opportunity and meeting the needs of working families, we can ensure the continued prosperity of our nation.
quote by Christopher Dodd
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
I feel, as never before, how justly, from the dawn of history to the present time, men have paid the homage of their gratitude and admiration to the memory of those who nobly sacrifice their lives, that their fellow-men may live in safety and in honor.
quote by Edward Everett
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
All soldiers who serve their country and put their lives at risk need to know that if something happens to them, their families will be well taken care of. That's the bond we have with our military men and women and their families.
quote by Jeff Sessions
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
In Loving Memory Of A Name
Boom goes my heart
Dancing around your daisies
Church bells will start
Sat on you reading your ages
I drift away
In loving memory of a name
Covered in moss
You may have died for your country
Forgotten not lost
Youre laid to rest where youre wanted
I stare awhile
In loving memory of a name
England can never repay you
You gave your life to be buried alongside
The place you loved
The sermons attended when you were young
Still echo round these churchyard walls
Heroes and rogues
Together surrounded by nature
Lump in my throat
Sat in the land of your maker
I drift away
In loving memory of a name
song performed by by Xtc
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Lest We Forget [11 September 2001, A Requiem]
Through a hatred borne of fear, you plotted your course;
With each 'Freedom' as fodder, your animus grew worse;
Your ignorance cannot be countered with rational debate,
It is your fundamental flaw-you hate, for the sake of hate!
One tragic, late Summer day, whose infamy you ensured,
You destroyed a treasured symbol-and though now cured,
Inculcated great fear-not to mention the lives you have taken!
We are resolute and unafeared, where once, we were shaken.
Your victory was pyrrhic, and very short-lived-
For, our time for righteous retribution soon arrived!
You awakened a sleeping lion, from His peaceable sleep,
And now, your total annhilation is a promise we shall keep,
To the humble and brave families of those we have lost;
We are 'One Nation, Under God' that you should have never crossed!
Millions of heroes, from cities and towns both far and wide,
Each with an indefatigable sense of American pride,
Have assembled from disparate lives, to fight side by side,
To honor the memory of those who tragically died!
They were very real people, from every station in life,
Whose loss, to this very day, still cuts like a knife,
Through the collective consciousness of the entire world;
Now, as a nation of nations, under a single flag unfurled,
We have gathered e'er more strength and fortitude still;
If we can not defeat with sheer might, our attitude will!
We are the embodiment of all you have taken from us-
Your diabolical deeds have surely shaken our trust
In the inherent goodness of man-shame on you!
The man in the mirror is culpable-yes, the blame's on you,
And you alone, for all the destruction and innocence you have taken;
You may never rebuild the trust that you have foresaken!
Our loss is profound, yet strengthens our resolve-
So long as, around the Sun, the Earth does revolve,
Your's is not an ideology that will capture a greater stage,
Only the rebuke of a righteous people, as well as their greater rage!
May we never forget what the world truly lost that day:
The citizens of the world, who paid a cost, that may
Never be repaid, as precious lives may not be replaced!
We must ensure that their memories are never effaced-
That we live lives, about which they could be proud
And hold fast to the promises that, to them, we've avowed!
For, it is for them and in memory of their grace
That we tempered our response to the right time and proper place,
Where hate mongers have tried to make it about religion and race!
This is the only way we may look our children in the face:
With the knowledge that our response was proper, and our force was right-
In the face of pure evil, we constrained our righteous might!
We honor those lost, always, lest we ever forget!
For all that for which they lived, we will never forfeit
The values they taught us, while they were living:
Love, patience, tolerance, and a perpetual Thanksgiving
For all the wonder that life had ever offered!
This is worthy a refrain, lest your heart still be coffered
By a misplaced animus for a phantom menace;
That is the fundamental difference we have between us:
The ability to know what is right and what is wrong-
It is what makes you weak, and us, strong!
-Maurice Harris,11 September 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
My Country Bleeds
My country is bleeding to death,
Daily we mourn the dead and lay wreath
Could do absolutely nothing to prevent
Blasts and deaths daily occurrences as if there are no more event
Some people come on bike and strike with gun,
terrorist emerge all of sudden and shoot for the fun
People are caught in cross fire and go for the run
What a shame on earth? Are we happy under the sun?
Country’s existence and honor is at stake
Still there is no unity and people are not wake
No one thinks of humanity and survival is at sake
How to mourn death and celebrate the occasion with cake?
We expect many more such strikes if we remain discerned
People and country should have more concerns
Holy places are on hit list but who knows when?
Danger may be lurking from all over then
Enemies may strike when they are firmly placed in
outside danger may be less but more from within,
Keep them at bay and don’t let them assemble
Sacrifice will not go in vain if enemy is put in trouble
Rain water may flow on ground but blood will remain
When blood is mixed with water it will not go in drain
Don’t aggravate the situation by mere propaganda and refrain
Save country from dishonor and never complain
Asked not? What country has done for you or does?
Only offer self and it may serve purpose
Sacrifice is the only answer that lies with you
You survive or die.honour becomes due
Stop death game once for all and offer the peace best
Stop orgy of violence and unwanted or needless unrest
Come to the sense and deliver the rest
Bad phase will be over if we stand the test
Nothing has proved yet and enough is enough
Strike at the root and prove little tough
Let the enemy know, gun will match the gun
Pride and honor to be preserved and not made a fun
Will youth of today rise in arm and hunted enemy to be slained?
Salute to brave people and warning enemy not to strike again
Always ready to die by putting country first
Attempt to flush them as crisis has become worst
It is possible that you will be lost from memory
Country may be burdened more with worry
No one will remember who defended the honor
it may be by all sections including minor or major
It is not important how long did you live?
It only matter how you lived and what did you believe
So when it comes to defend the country?
You got to offer yourself and make the entry
Politicians always scrounge and people may laugh,
Words may be spoken but may not be that enough
Few rose petals may be offered by them and laid as wreath,
Tears too may be shed when stopped last breath,
What we need today is strong will power?
Not many building and no high rising towers
We should stand united and display strong will
Defeat the enemy designs and go for the kill
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
War Memorial
Memorial to be raised in memory of war heroes
Homage and tribute by everybody who goes
Soldier's sacrifice shall never go in vain
Blood might have spilled on earth but shall never go in drain
Nation remains ever grateful
As democracy stands successful
When other countries fail honesty trial
Who can afford to neglect soldiers and their survival?
Not only in service but there after too
Families of war heroes suffer and that is true
Large amount meant for them also make exit
Yet solders never complain but greet
Name any one who can jump in for nation's cause?
Name any individual who can prefer to sacrifice?
What are we offering them to assure their dependants?
Mere paltry sum with pension and insult!
Shame on those who grab the entire fund
Erect illegal sky rocket building on reserve land
Open loot by high officials and no action
People also remain mere spectator with no reaction
Give twenty four gun salutes to departed soldiers
Nation may pay homage and remember
No death is as sacred as laying down for mother land
But make this fact known to our dear friends
What image we have created today?
Have we bartered the national interest away?
Do our conscience allow for purchase of inferior weapons?
Make soldiers to die for no cause and loose the war already won
Make soldiers to strive for national integration
Assure them not to think about deteriorating condition
Nation is committed for their welfare and well being
Let all solders praise their mother land and sing
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
In Any War
This poem is dedicated to the men and women whom have given up their lives in the service of their country.
In any war when the guns fall silent
and peace is at last restored.
Monuments will be built
for all the fallen heroes
while their families mourn.
Each hero will be remembered
for the sacrifice they made,
as the darkness that consumed them
brightens into a new day.
9 November 2010
poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
The men and women on the front lines of the war on terror continue to risk their lives to save ours - and for that we owe them a debt that we can never truly repay. Thanks to their efforts we have made tremendous progress. Yet, the job is not done.
quote by Doc Hastings
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!