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
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
Courage to hold to freedom's call and light
In perseverance the challenge be it day or night
To hold resolve and endure all claim
To fire the passion beyond the pain
For those given to liberation and freedom's call
Blessed BE they who have given their All
This day, the NOW of yesterday we devotedly share
For timeless be each heart's deeply felt care
Life with God's blessings shall ever prevail
'Tis the vision of freedom and valor within souls we hail
This gift of knowing to mark the rising way
And we in tribute give honor this Memorial Day.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
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