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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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
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Remembrance Sunday 2001
That war word, has been given meaning yet again,
As we meet in the shadow of the twin towers
Seeking to remember those who died
In what seems so long ago, freedom remains illusive.
Freedom from fear, freedom to speak, freedom to worship.
So on this day, we say our thanks, with gratitude
To the names etched here long ago.
Remember with pride the sacrifice they made for us
Remember to the young who fight today
To keep that flame of freedom lit
Throughout our world, for all people
Remember to that single sacrifice
On a hill outside Jerusalem,
The one who called the world to love
Whose words inspire today’s, humanity
To seek that which is the ultimate power
To love your neighbour as yourself
The greatest challenge of all.
To become powerless, in a world
That seeks for power by domination
poem by James Tipp
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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 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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For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we are grateful that such men and women were among us. For those who continue to serve, we honor their commitment. For those who return to civilian life, we honor their service.
quote by Steve Buyer
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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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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Extension 33
Living at the y, extension 33,
Nothing to care or to worry.
Once I was in love with a blind man,
But my auntie told me, dont do it, its not worth it.
Living at the y, 33 years,
No one to call or to write to.
Once I was in love with a married man,
But my instincts told me, dont tell him, itll kill you.
Im sad I didnt marry the blind man,
But whats a life with three blind children?
Im glad I never told the married man,
It saved my pride and freedom.
Living at the y, in 33 rooms,
Nowhere to visit or write to.
Once I was in love, it nearly killed me,
But now I have my pride and freedom.
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom,
Freedom, freedom, freedom and pride.
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom,
Freedom, freedom, freedom and pride.
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom,
Freedom, freedom, freedom and pride.
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom,
Freedom, freedom, freedom and pride.
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom,
Freedom, freedom, freedom and pride.
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom,
Freedom, freedom, freedom.
song performed by by Yoko Ono
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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In Memory of Those who Fought and Died-Part I
The day the tears dried on your loved ones' faces...
The day those men in uniform carried your casket
to your last resting place...
The day the solemn sound of the bugle
was heard once and for all - in your name...
by your friends, comrades-in-arms, relatives
and mourners you did not even know...
The day that you did not hear the 21-gun salute
were fired not towards the enemy but
in your honor in deafening silence...
The day when they folded the flag neatly on
your funeral service then handed this
'gift of life' to your grieving mom and dad,
your spouse, your son, your daughter,
your brother or sister...
Was the day - the beginning...
you were forever remembered!
You are not forgotten and never will,
my buddy...my comrade.
As long as the stars and stripes,
fly proudly in every 50 states
...you will be remembered because
you are part of that flag.
Yes, you are even part of those
who abuse and misuse this so-called
precious freedom that you have died for.
They, too, are indebted to you.
The freedom we have now -
we may not cherished were it not
for your bravery, patriotism and the lives
you sacrificed to fight it with.
Freedom to argue; freedom to protest
and demonstrate; freedom to vote and
not to vote, freedom to elect our leaders
and damn them too; freedom to burn the flag -
Let them be!
That is what real freedom is all about.
America will always be a great nation,
today, tomorrow and forever...
because of you!
poem by Don Allan Dinio
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Freedom does not come without a price. We may sometimes take for granted the many liberties we enjoy in America, but they have all been earned through the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of the members of our armed forces.
quote by Charlie Dent
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history, they've answered the call in bravery and sacrifice.
quote by Timothy Pawlenty
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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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
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Life Of My Own
(lyrics by arnold)
(music by roberts, arnold & harrell)
Living risky, never scared, wander
Closer to the edge
Nothing valued think no fear, always
Wondering why youre here
All your purposes are gone, nothings
Right and nothings wrong
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Feel no sorrow, feel no pain
Kiss me while Im still alive
Kill me while I kiss the sky
Let me die on my own terms, let me
Live and let me learn
Now Ill follow my own way, and ill
Live on to another damn day
Freedom carries sacrifice, remember when this was my life
Looking forward, not behind
Everybodys got to cross that line
Free me now to give me a place,
Keep me caged and free the beast
Falling faster, time goes by, fear is
Not seen through these eyes
What there was will never be, now
Im blind and cannot see
Kiss me while Im still alive
Kill me while I kiss the sky
Let me die on my own terms, let me
Live and let me learn
Now Ill follow my own way, and ill
Live on to another damn day
Freedom carries sacrifice, remember when this was my life
Kiss me while Im still alive
Kill me while I kiss the sky
Let me die on my own terms, let me
Live and let me learn
Now Ill follow my own way, and ill
Live on to another damn day
Freedom carries sacrifice, remember when this was my life
song performed by by 3 Doors Down
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sacrifices
Beautiful values and culture
No freedom to follow one's own believe
Freedom of following the culture is banned
Sacrifice of their vision and mission
Beautiful mind and soul
It was kept in dark and hidden
Hence left with no choices
Sacrifice of the inner strength
Beautiful kindness and compassion
Taken as a weakness
Tortured and abused
Sacrifice of being human
Beautiful life
Too much which has filled the air
Breathing out of frustration
Sacrifice of their precious life by setting themselves on fire
poem by Tenzin Whitetara
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Red, White And Blue
Red, White and Blue-these hues shall ne'er fleet,
Nor shall they who fiercely defend it, e'er retreat;
They champion Freedom, at any and all cost,
But for this precept, all hope would be lost!
Our Supreme Law, they swear to support and defend,
Against all, whether here or afar-upon this, we all depend;
Serve do they, with Honor, exhibiting Loyalty and Respect-
A lesson for all, ideas are these, which all should expect!
In any one generation,1 of 100 is their humble divide,
Yet, it is they who are the source of our extraordinary pride!
Honor them, with your heartfelt gratitude, whence ever
Acquaintance is made, in return, your defense, ever!
Consider them not upon celebration but for only a day,
Keep them always in your thoughts, allow not its sway!
Maurice Harris,20 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Freedom Is…
Freedom…
Freedom…
What is freedom?
It’s a footprint in the sand…
A whisper on the wind.
It’s a thought…
An emotion.
It’s a choice…
A gift.
Freedom is what freedom is.
Freedom is a pot on the stove…
The water in a glass.
It’s a smile on a mouth…
A tear on the cheek.
It’s a choice…
A gift.
Freedom is what freedom is.
Freedom is a breeze in your hair…
The heat in the air.
It’s the heart in your chest…
The veins in your arms.
It’s a choice…
A gift.
Freedom is what freedom is.
What is freedom?
Freedom is what freedom is.
poem by Stacey Stevens
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Hymn for Atonement Day
Lord, Your humble servants hear,
Suppliant now before You,
Our Father, from Your children's plea
Turn not, we implore You!
Lord, Your people, sore oppressed,
From the depths implore You;
Our Father, let us not, this day,
Cry in vain before You.
Lord, blot out our evil pride,
All our sins before You;
Our Father, for Your Mercy's sake,
Pardon, we implore You.
Lord, no sacrifice we bring,
Prayers and tears implore You;
Our Father, take the gift we lay,
Contrite hearts, before You.
Lord, Your sheep have wandered far,
Gather them before You;
Our Father, let Your shepherd love
Guide us, we implore You.
Lord, Your pardon grant to all
That in truth, implore You;
Our Father, let our evening prayer
Now find grace before You.
Lord, Your humble servants hear,
Suppliant now before You;
Our Father, from Your children's plea
Turn not, we implore You!
poem by Yehudah HaLevi
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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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At what cost?
It speaks of some danger when aligned with red color
it has to do with laying down of life for dignity and honor
it speaks of high volume for a person
as he has sacrificed for some well known reasons
When wars are fought on battle ground
the bodies are scattered all over and found
the vultures are ready to pound the flash and remain
Nation mourns the death with grief and pain
How much sacrifice and bloodshed is still needed?
are we not peace loving people and committed?
to whom are we going to feed the lies?
are the steps taken necessary or wise?
Is it not enough to remain for centuries under slavery?
is it sign of weariness when we call it bravery?
Was the freedom totally uncalled for?
we never knew there will be so much pain in store
Are wet worthy creatures to ask?
for freedom without any aim or task?
Don't we think it as sheer madness?
when we go to war with prejudice and sickness
We have all the rights and search for light
we may also grow with strength and have mite
it is reasonable to have deterrence
no one may ever dare or make the reference
Our children are dying each day
there is no peaceful solution or honorable way
How much more bloodshed or price we have to pay?
Why not resolutely unite and stay away?
We shall defend and bleed to last drop
No amount of assaults can make us to stop
people run for safety and bodies rush
We are not used to witness daily clashes
The almighty did not create slavery
We have brought it with exceptional bravery
How many were crushed under the feet of cavalry?
the misrule of the forces blinded by the rivalry
How much we have yet to undergo with misery?
Why can't they take decision and form advisory?
What will be ultimate price for its realization?
Is it not the shame or blot on civilization?
Our forefathers dealt it with wisdom
They knew what will be the price for freedom
Who were all responsible for our miserable plight?
No one can deny us rights even with mite
We may have to live and witness
some orgy of violence to face
it is still a critical phase
we are made to worry and subjected to chase
It may not end in nightmare
we have to live here and find the place somewhere
it is to live and let others live
tolerance and faith sincerely to believe
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
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Freedom is yours
Take a look at your life
Round it up from right to left
left to right
left I might
Never look back
Pull up your pride
attack at its head
bring up the fight
Fight for the freedom
Freedom is yours
If you choose to take it
Freedom is yours
Never doubt you'll make it
Freedom is yours
Freedom is yours
Suburban ghetto prisons
It's all the same
Living up to community visions
Like we're all the same
Change your name
Release the pain
Strike fear in your opponents and make them curse the day you came
The time is now to step forward and keep your balance
The moment to improve your talents
Freedom is yours
You have to remember freedom is yours
Dip in the pool you choose
You're not the first one to break loose
Remove the chains
Forget all you know about the don'ts and do's
Be insane
Remove the chains
Freedom is yours
Freedom is yours
You have to remember freedom is yours
Money not all that Matters
every fighter live out of its strength and honor,
worth comes within in the power of the will
that shows, any prize leaves nothing but a
pride that conquers the most prestigious line of
freedom
lean the Laurel of my soul and the time lead
no mercy to lift the stadium of cheer and yield
of my spirited world of power, learn not the
prayer of the loser, but a fate to know the
conquering warrior of the Knight’s and the
Conan of the Viking
here you are, facing the battle of no respect
to the opponent, for losing is not the option, but
a vision to capture the sky into the world of
greatness, guide every aim, to finish the
game with “Valor”
the direction is focus on the enemy of the
heart and grip the power to accept the truth that
sacrifice of hope wash, into what the bird
zoom to fly the sky
hate me not to lose and train me to sacrifice my
hope, to the freedom to fight ……
'a poem dedicated to Manny Pacquio - Pambansang
Kamao '
poem by Antonio Liao
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