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OLDBIKER 
5:10pm Tuesday
The Wall
There's a wall in our Nation's capital
Made of a special black stone
Some fifty eight thousand names are there
There are two I personally know
The first name, Laverne Hissong
We grew up a few miles apart
We sang a song in a Christmas play
"We three kings" is how it starts
The second name, Ronnie Ireland
Was quite a bit younger than I
I've known his family all my life
Why, I ask, did they die
Each name inscribed was a precious life
With a future of goals and dreams
They gave the ultimate sacrifice
Their lives so short, it seems
For centuries our people have fought and died
From sea to shining sea
Our soldiers put their lives on the line
For their country, for you, and for me
My grandfather fought in the Civil War
My brother in World War Two
My nephew a Marine in Vietnam
They were proud of the red, white, and blue
Our Nations set aside a special day
For our hearts and minds to recall
A Memorial Day, in the month of May
For those who gave their all
I wrote this poem for Laverne and Ron
Just a writer at the end of a pen
But, I'll never forget the price they paid
I'm glad to have known them as friends.
Note:
Every time Veteran's Day and Memorial Day come around, I think of these two childhood friends of mine who died in Vietnam. Laverne's brothers live in my home town and Ron's brother attends my church that I Pastor. I guess my friend dying Monday, who was a Veteran in World War 2 prompted me to place this poem here today. I preached his funeral today. He was 95 years old and he signed up for service the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7th, 1941. What an honor to have known all three of these men as friends.
Pee Wee
Comments
Thank you for sharing such a lovely poem, and wonderful thoughts. They would love it that you honored them this way! Imagine them looking down and smiling at you, because I know they are! God Bless! Hugs, Judy
JudyWI
Well written...poignant and intimate homage to friends or yours I wish I could have thanked in person. I appreciate, at least, knowing them through your eyes. In Christ Forever....Dale, Brandon's Mom
Kingsdaughter
Thankyou for sharing such a poignant poem and your friendship and loss my friend
Jan777
This was so well written.. Thank you so much for sharing..
meandthebeast