Tuesday, November 11, 2014

In Gratitude and in Tribute... Veterans Day, 2014, Walkway of Heroes...



In Gratitude and in Tribute... Veterans Day, 2014
 these words presented at the 
Veterans Day Ceremony
Walkway of Heroes
Tappan, New York

On Memorial Day of this year, I had the honor of presenting a tribute to our Veterans. In preparation, I asked that words be shared that held the messages of gratitude for each life given, in the name of service to freedom. So too, I asked of Veterans whose valor and dedication yet resounds.

Heartfelt be these words and remembrances. Heartfelt be the sacrifices, the loss, the vision, the victory, the freedoms to prevail.
So this be known...
And they who for country and freedom in battle perish
We to weep and in loving memory with gratitude cherish
For each life that was lives in God's embrace sublime
Ever blessed be their souls in soaring grace divine
The pulsing, sounding, recording within our heart
From which memory and sentiment have their start
Of dearly loved ones who once filled our day
Their souls taken to another path, to the eternal way
We share gestures and words that lovingly hold to grace
And within our BEING it is tenderness we place
All in reflection of sacrifice and noble deed
The cry of Freedom, ever our living creed
The gifts of LIFE with vision blessed and bold
This the giving within each Veteran's story told
Loyalty, dedication, ascending care be they known
This in valor by our sons and daughters shown
Courage to hold to freedom's call and light
In perseverance the challenge be it day or night
Fortitude, strength, imbued with heart's noble call
Sacrifices of body, limb, in this a growing toll
And when returned to home's welcomed shore and land
Let us in caring response put support in command
It is resolve that humanity calls to be known
Within the grasps of faith, love and TRUTH be shown
The dream yet dreamed shall unfold
And PEACE to be the story told
This gift of knowing to mark the rising way
And we in tribute give honor this Veterans Day.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
Photo Credit: Joe GartnerJG Photography, 2014.

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