Veterans' Day

Standing at the Lincoln Memorial,

gazing down the National Mall

one thinks of these memorials,

 WW II to the Viet Nam Wall...

The many souls they commemorate,

the sacrifices of them all...

Boys and girls turned women and men

answering Liberty’s call.

And the living people gathered,

in summer's heat or chilly autumn rain;

some come to leave a token of love,

others come to ease their pain,

or lift a burden of long held guilt,

heavy as if it were truly earned.

Acknowledging bonds forged in pain…

and truths forever learned.

Veteran and civilian alike,

they have come here seeking release;

hoping to find among  graven stones

a measure of lasting peace.