The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By : Elaine Slater Reese-Special For The Quill
We celebrate Memorial Day to honor those who have given their life for our country. They died that we might have freedom.
We are now a country probably more divided than other time since the Civil War. The news each day is depressing. Many of us don't know who or what to believe any more.
Let's pull together and appreciate what we do have here in America. We need to honor those who have given so that we may agree or disagree! Our attitude will speak for itself! Can we do our part to make sure no more veterans feel like the following one?
The old veteran hobbled home from the Memorial Day service at the park. His heart had swelled with pride as the flag went by and as the high-school band had played the Star-Spangled Banner.
All too well, he knew the sight of the rows of white crosses. The Roll Call of the Dead brought tears to his eyes and memories of old friends - long gone. He especially enjoyed the young people decorating the graves.
And he prayed that all the younger generation who participated that day would tuck away in their hearts and minds a respect, a pride for the cost of the flag.
He had tried not to notice, but when he went to bed that evening, his mind filled with the other scenes earlier in the day. He saw it all again - the flag passing down the street and so few, so very few, showing it due respect. And during the national anthem, few sang. Hardly anyone looked directly at the flag.
He could count on one hand those with their hands over their hearts.
The memories, both good and bad, of this day intermingled in his mind with the roar of battle and the silence of the dead.
Finally at 3:30 in the morning, he crawled out of bed, lit the little lamp on the old oak desk, and penned his thoughts. Maybe someone would care!
Ole' Glory
By Private John Doe
Ole' Glory, hanging high,
WHAT'S THAT I SEE?
A TEAR IN YOUR EYE?
What's that you said?
PATRIOTISM IS DEAD!
"No one cares," I hear you sigh.
WHY DID ALL THOSE MEN REALLY DIE?
Ole' Glory, are you tired and sad?
HAS ALL AMERICA GONE MAD?
You still wave proudly,
Red, White, and Blue,
AMERICA, AMERICA, GOD BLESS YOU!