Friday, November 11, 2011

In Valor Known -Veteran's Day 11/11/11


In tribute and reverence stand we
Held our right to be free
Hearts and souls in valor known
Right intention and devotion shown
Battlefields of victory and plight
Through all beheld freedom's light
Others before us in peace they lay
And gather in gratitude we this day
Sons and daughters, husbands and wives
Children of purpose have given their lives
The breath of freedom an endowment divine
Bequeathed to life yours, life mine.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, Joe Rosenthal's historic photo depicts five United States Marines and one sailor raising an American flag over Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The image is an Associated Press photograph that won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography. It was taken by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent poem Rose Marie...a fine tribute to the dedicated men and women of our military!

Rose Marie Raccioppi said...

Thank You Theanne,

I am reminded of my father's accounts of his experience­s as a soldier of WW II ... he held to the stories of 'little boy mischief,' wanting to mask the painful memories and loss.

Love and peace,
Rose Marie