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
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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
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Honor Them
They are California 'kids' and New Englanders, through and through;
They hail from Iowa cornfields and Texas plains-
They are men and women ready to sacrifice
Their lives in the name of liberty-most would, twice!
With a selfless sense of purpose, they serve
So that all who crave freedom, get what they deserve;
This is why they suffer mnay and great pains,
This is why they shall always do what they do!
Honor them-either through remembrance or gratitude-
As they guard us, with a vigilant, selfless attitude;
Freedom is not free, they pay its price-
'Liberty and Justice for all'-anything else does not suffice;
So long as there are men and women willing to protect this,
There need be many others, who recognize and respect this!
-Maurice Harris,4 November 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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Anonymous Letter Left At The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, Memorial Day 2010
Upon this day of poignant reflection, we are humbled by your sacrifice;
No measure of recompense doth any possess which may serve to satisfice-
Our very liberty hath been your precious gift-your dutiful life, its price-
Our humble gratitude is all we have, no manner of quittance would suffice!
Our Forefathers advented Liberty, yet your loss saw to its abiding;
Countless men and women still, much like you, cease its subsiding;
Your life of honor and duty, for country-this shall ne'er perish-
In our hearts and minds, upon this day and all others, we cherish
Every solitary liberate moment, which you have given and ensured;
The most selfless sacrifice-your safeguard guaranteed Liberty endured!
'I can not say and I will not say that he is dead - He is just away! ' **
You live still; Your dutiful life inspires men and women to this very day;
The obligation owed to you is immeasurable-words may ne'er convey
Our gratitude for your service and sacrifice-though we endeavor all we may!
**(James Whitcomb Riley, 'He is Only Away')
Maurice Harris,27 May 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Obligation Owed (Veterans' Day 2010)
I beg your thanks, for all that you have done-
For the service you have rendered and all the freedom you have won;
Your selfless dedication to such lofty ideals,
Honors all who reap its benefit, as time itself reveals;
Causal to your sacrifice, nations thrive under guard of liberty;
You are the very proof that a super hero really may be;
You pledge allegiance to the flag, yet its the Constitution you protect and defend-
Until your very last breath, upon your integrity we may depend;
The only proper recompense we may ever offer
Is to never take for granted the obligation owed, your proffer;
You serve, so that others may live under the precepts you protect;
We live each day, empowered by the strength you project:
'Thank you' seems so insufficient-though, it is all I may give-
It is you that would give your life to ensure we may freely live!
-Maurice Harris,10 November 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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This Hero (An Ode To The American Military Veteran)
The American Military Veteran, a breed of hero, unparalleled in history,
Gave so much to so many-yet, somehow remains to them, a mystery.
What would possess an individual with so many rights guaranteed,
To leave it all behind, and gallantly defend liberty in a foreign land in need! ? !
Why would they risk their lives for the sake of strangers-or, even care! ? !
Perhaps they believe: 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' *
Freedom is only ever free so long as there are patriots willing to die to preserve it.
'Hero' is a moniker oft-bandied about, but there are some who truly deserve it.
This hero simply acts, when and where action is needed, in spite of danger.
This hero acts with honor and integrity, for a Brother In Arms, or a stranger,
No matter the risk to him or herself-a selfless dedication that very few possess.
What this hero means to a free world, words could never properly express;
A simply 'thank you for your service' is all that most people can humbly tender,
All the while, never able to gather what drives a person to banish the word 'surrender'
From his/her vocabulary, and speak a language filled with acronyms and foreign jargon.
'Enemies of the Constitution', foreign or domestic, are not ones with which they will bargain-
For THIS, and this alone, is the one precept to which they pledge unwavering allegiance.
We are One Nation Under God, and they believe that He created, in His Omnipotence,
This 'More Perfect Union' so that we may be freedom's foremost defender.
This hero served, so that all may enjoy liberty and justice, in all their splendor,
Not just for today and tomorrow-but, so that our progeny may, for all perpetuity,
Live their lives under the blanket of the freedoms provided by truly selfless acuity.
This hero deserves so much more from us than just our heart-felt appreciation,
He or she earned the right to your utmost respect, with tireless dedication
To principles that most seem to take for granted, except when reminded.
Take the time to truly get to know one of these heroes, if you are still blinded
By an ignorance that may be unintentional, yet very real still the same.
These words are meant to edify and inspire, not surely to assess any sort of blame-
Not only will you surely get to better know a remarkably heroic human being,
But perhaps learn to appreciate more, the very freedom you are now seeing.
*Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter From A Birmingham Jail
-Maurice Harris,7 November 2012
poem by Maurice Harris
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Freedom Is Never Free
They tell me
'Freedom is never free.'
I know that-
More than most realize.
Freedom cost us more
Than we should have to give.
Freedom cost us blood.
It cost us the lives
Of our fathers,
Our sons,
Our brothers.
But while freedom is never free,
Remember-
It has been bought at great price,
And so is a thing of great value.
We must defend it,
From those who would take it away.
The defense of our freedoms
Will cost us-
More than we wish to pay.
But we must pay, to defend,
For if we try to make freedom free,
We forget-
True freedom is never free.
poem by James Grengs
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Tim Tebow Poem = God's Soldiers
It’s time to remember our soldiers for the Lord
Who are deployed throughout God’s Earth.
It’s time to recall their sacrifice and love
For what freedom and liberty are worth.
The wicked of heart hate America the free
And would commit any foul deed to cause her harm.
It’s up to God’s soldiers to defend and preserve
Our existence as a country free of tyranny and alarm.
Ever since America’s General George Washington
Took up his sword and road off to war.
God’s soldiers of freedom have laid down their life
For faith, country, liberty, love, family and more.
God Defend New Zealand
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nation's van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
poem by Thomas Bracken
Submitted by anonym
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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
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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
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CORY AQUINO, Mother of Philippine Democracy
CORY AQUINO, Mother of Philippine Democracy
melvin banggoollay
C-orazon C. Aquino, popularly known as Tita Cory
A symbol of truth and fearless love of country
that with her charm, she inspired the country
to fight for freedom, to restore our lost democracy.
O-n her desire to fight for justice for her Ninoy
She offered herself to be of service to every pinoy
with an antarnish honor, dignity and unselfish ploy
of serving with prudence, truth, justice full of joy..
R-ighteous was her ways with virtues of prayer
She had exemplified with undying faith forever
To the Living God she adored with faithful prayers
and untarnished service to the Filipinos as a mother.
Y-es, she is the mother of Philippine Democracy
That even upon her death, she inspired the country
to continue fighting for real justice and sovereignty
A legacy she nurtured with undying love of country.
A woman of great virtues so worthy for emulation
Blessed yet she remained simple in all occasion,
In all her ways while serving and healing this nation
from all the pains and evils of every administration.
Q-ueen of the Filipinos truly worth dying for
For she loved this nation will all faith and honor
and with unwavering love to serve with valor,
and justice upholding truth and equality for all,
U-nited this nation for a just and noble call
for the name of justice and fairness for all
that even this may cause her death or downfall
She never hesitated to stand for the Filipinos call.
I-ntegrity of this President is beyond compare
for it was sheltered with faith to serve so clear
as she always acted with prudence only to fulfill
her duties to the Filipinos even times may go uphill.
N-o one could ever be like thee in this nation's history
For you will forever be remembered by all humanity
As a mother of the Filipinos who died for democracy
As a leader with undying love for this nation's sovereignty.
O-n this day, we hail your name with all honor and glory
as we fervently pray for your eternal rest with Ninoy's company
along with the saints, angels and the Holy Mother Mary
As you will be blessed by God you have served so faitfully.
poem by Melvin Banggollay
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Freedom
What does freedom really mean?
My mother letting me make decisions,
That is freedom.
The ability to make my own passion,
That is freedom.
Smiling when I want to not someone else does,
That is freedom.
My own love for my family,
That is freedom.
Being able to have a great time without being pressured,
That is freedom.
Having a destiny that is up to me,
That is freedom.
Being able to sit in tranquility by myself,
That is freedom.
Standing for my country with liberty on my own will,
That is what freedom really is.
poem by Bethany Maxwell
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O, Brothers and sisters
O, Egyptian brothers and sisters
You have done it and it matters
Your flag is high up in the air
Your means were just and fair
We look forward to such an occasion
Wherever the freedom is in question
You may stand brave in our eyes and deserve esteem
You may breathe fresh air with independence and freedom
So many countries still reel under occupation
It has direct bearing on this struggle and relation
It may be foreign subjugation or forced annexation
They must release and come out in open with indication
No foreign yoke or slavery can last long
It is blot on our thinking and very wrong
How can one nation rule over another?
When they are suppose to act as big or small brother
Foreign rule is yet understandable
It can be kept under control and manageable
What happens when hardship is not mitigated?
When there is forced labor and population completely isolated
You have done all whatever you could do to defend the honor
The occupant was your own country man and not foreigner
What a pity when country is put to shame along with people?
This struggle was self ignited one and from any quarter enforceable
Whole nation was in street caring for no food, water or shelter
What an historic gathering when you were subjected to run for cover!
There was enough of bad rule and now it was time to act
Nothing was expected anything short but exit with facts
No honor is that high to keep the head high
No height is that high where flag can not reach and fly
Salute to all those who kept the nation above everything
The sacrifice was needed to pay it as tribute for something
Whole world is watching your heroic struggle with keen interest
It has come out of its own without any external help and stood the test
All have passed off peacefully to witness new emerging nation
Its roots are deep and may send joyous messages across other nations
If I could pay any respect for your efforts
It may be bowing down of head in respect
I am sure the freedom candle may be kept on burning
Till the peace and property is not returning
Let us resolve it first to stand together
Let the treachery and slavery exist any where
We shall unite in fight against injustice
Torch of freedom may light again with full of promises
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
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Honor the Vets
I looked at the grave stones of the veteran dead
Tears filled my eyes as I bowed my head.
All of them had served their country proud
Now they lay in this ground.
They were sons and daughters, mothers and fathers
Sisters and brothers, uncles and aunts
And the list goes on and on.
But how many of them are honored
with a flower or two.
It’s really not hard to do.
They gave their lives so that we can be free
Don’t they deserve some dignity?
This country is standing on the lives of the dead
All of these have died, and many have bled.
Freedom isn’t really free
Other wise these grave stones you would not see.
Isn’t there someone in your family
Who died fighting for liberty?
Let us honor the dead
And thank the living for all that they have given.
poem by Louis Rams
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I Bled For You
You may not understand why I would leave my family,
to fight in some exotic land, somewhere beyond the sea.
You may not comprehend just why I would do the things I do,
But today I fought for what was right…today I bled for you.
Some call me a hero, but few call me by name
I don't do it for the money and it sure aint for the fame.
I've seen the tree of liberty, and when the day is through,
I can say it was watered with my blood…that day I bled for you.
We soldiers serve with honor, like all those that served before.
Who stood upon the wall and kept the wolves from your front door.
Some sacrificed completely; give them the respect they're due.
Remember that they gave it all, the day they bled for you.
There are some that are not able, or don't want to understand,
Why we risk our very lives to defend this sacred, holy land.
They'll never feel the pride inside when we see red white and blue,
Waving over these free lands, because someone bled for you.
So take the time to think of those of us who still are over there,
Or those of us recovering, please lift us up in prayer.
And send it to the Savior…the only other person who,
Besides the soldier, paid the price, and chose to bleed for you.
Perry Biggerstaff
poem by Perry Biggerstaff
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War + Lives - add Love = Freedom
A nation born from war, for the “purpose” of establishing freedom
A nation divided in war, in an “attempt” to fulfill the goal of freedom
A nation engaged in world wars, in the task of “preserving” freedom
A nation policing the world, in the “pursuit” of freedom
So many young lives have been lost, for the “cause” of freedom
Let us remember those who paid the “ultimate price, ” for freedom
And dear God, please tell us! - “What! ” - is freedom?
“Life is to be lived, not controlled, and humanity is won by continuing
To play in face of certain defeat.” Ralph Ellison
'We need not war'
We need not war, to show us how freedom is made
What we need is love to show us how freedom is played.
For freedom is not - but to “do as we please”
But rather to “please others” - because of what we achieve
“To serve requires love, only with love to we attain freedom”
poem by Dave Tanguay
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He Who Serves
He has not served who gathers gold,
Nor has he served, whose life is told
In selfish battles he has won,
Or deeds of skill that he has done;
But he has served who now and then
Has helped along his fellow men.
The world needs many men today;
Red-blooded men along life's way,
With cheerful smiles and helping hands,
And with the faith that understands
The beauty of the simple deed
Which serves another's hour of need.
Strong men to stand beside the weak,
Kind men to hear what others speak;
True men to keep our country's laws
And guard its honor and its cause;
Men who will bravely play life's game
Nor ask rewards of gold and fame.
Teach me to do the best I can
To help and cheer our fellow man;
Teach me to lose my selfish need
And glory in the larger deed
Which smoothes the road, and lights the day
For all who chance to come my way.
poem by Edgar Albert Guest
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Destiny& Agony Fighting onwards but I cant fight away
Agony entangles me and around my soul
Fire storms down on a winter night
Moonlight shines its glorious light
Signs of the battle for what witch will be right
Open the gates and carry away there fright
Through the valley of the thunder
Deep in stormy winter ice
Its time now so roll the dice
Is this the old mans advice
Suffering this agony is this the price
To stand up for glorious freedom
Or fall down in shame
You cant fly away
You will have to stand up and face thus
Brothers of fallen swords
Rise tonight
Past agony, and despair
Fighting onwards but can not fight away
Destiny awaits thee
Open the gates
Forevermore we fight
Fighting for freedom
Till the sword frees thus
Open the gates
As we walk through with honor
For freedom we fight
Freedom of personal will
Our souls will carry out another day
It will shine and raise past the universe
Forevermore we stay free
Forevermore we will fight for freedom
Till sword have free thus
For the sword I live
And by the sword I will fight to I die
For eternity I'll fight onwards even if I cant fight away
Ill rise again for Valhalla will await me and I will be immortal
For destiny will come as my time to stand by Odin's will come forth
As I walk through the gates
I walk through with honor
Freedom I fight to the end
for now destiny lays greater then kings and hummed lands
Fighting onwards but can not fight away
For freedom I fight
For freedom I lost sight
But my soul carries on
For now I'm immortal
As I stand side by side
destiny I ride
So open up the gates
As I walk thought with honor
Oh I awaited thee
The day when the sword would free
So destiny could be
To open the gates,
and walk through with honor
As i stand side by side with Odin
I am now immortal
poem by Daniel fairfield
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The New Crusade
LIFE is a trifle;
Honor is all;
Shoulder the rifle;
Answer the call.
'A nation of traders'!
We'll show what we are,
Freedom's crusaders
Who war against war.
Battle is tragic;
Battle shall cease;
Ours is the magic
Mission of Peace.
'A nation of traders'!
We'll show what we are,
Freedom's crusaders
Who war against war.
Gladly we barter
Gold of our youth
For Liberty's charter
Blood-sealed in truth.
'A nation of traders'!
We'll show what we are,
Freedom's crusaders
Who war against war.
Sons of the granite,
Strong be our stroke,
Making this planet
Safe for the folk.
'A nation of traders'!
We'll show what we are,
Freedom's crusaders
Who war against war.
Life is but passion,
Sunshine on dew.
Forward to fashion
The old world anew!
'A nation of traders'!
We'll show what we are,
Freedom's crusaders
Who war against war.
poem by Katharine Lee Bates
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The Eagle & The Bear
I will fight and I will die for freedom
Up against an eagle or a bear
And I will help my brother and well sink or swim together
And if you dont like it mister I dont care
cause I have served with honor in the army
I have seen a soldier overseas
I have seen my fatherland stagger like a dying man
Blinded and bewildered by disease
And I aint gonna take it any longer
I cant look around it anymore
Ill defend what I believe in a land of liberty
Like my father did before
Chorus:
And Ill just pray to God for nicaragua
And the sorrow of el salvador today
And Ill say until the day we free mandela
All the world will be in chains
song performed by by Kris Kristofferson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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