As a child of WW II, and witness to all the conflicts leading to oppression and the ultimate claim for freedom and victory anew, I have come to hold in reverent admiration hearts of valor, and so words in tribute.
Heartfelt be these words and remembrances. Heartfelt be the sacrifices, the loss, the vision, the victory, the freedoms to prevail. So this be known... Memorial Day, 2022
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
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
We in tribute give honor this Memorial Day.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
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