Growing up in Long Beach provided many fond memories of going to parade's and other events downtown. Most enjoyable were the military parades which always included military bands, tanks, trucks, and lot of soldiers and sailors. As they passed by the people cheered for the troops and stood in recognition of the Stars and Strips! My father was a WWII veteran and I always looked forward to going to these events with him. Additionally, we attended the U.S. Air Force annual open house at what was then the Air Force Base at Long Beach Airport.
A couple of years ago I wrote this poem. It is time to add to my blog. Thanks dad for instilling a sense of pride and patriotism in me as a young man. I too served proudly in the U.S. Army and honor those I grew up with that gave the ultimate price to protect the freedom we, as Americans, love but sometimes take for granted!
The Little Soldier
A little boy stood along the route
He waved his hand to all the troops
He dreamed of one day being in their place
Marching to the drummer’s pace
As he held onto his father’s hand
He dreamed of being in far away lands
He read of battles in history books
And felt the pain in soldier’s looks
Some of them didn’t make the trip home
To loved ones left standing now all alone
The little boy never felt the fear
Of protecting those that were so dear
A young man now he joined the force
Remembering those who’d paid the price
In the heat of battle his comrades fell
The young man fought on braver still
He heard the blast and felt the shock
One last look before it went black
His father answered the door today
Two soldiers greet him with this to say
Your son has paid the ultimate price
He’s given his life in sacrifice
For freedom and love of country too
“We’re sorry, sir this flag is for you”
The little boy squeezes his father’s hand
A tear is shed for those who protect our land
Today let’s look towards the sky
Remembering all soldiers who served and died
To protect our freedom and our home
From evil forces wherever they roam
1 comment:
I loved reading your poem thank you for sharing
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