Vet's

TO rocket said:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Click to expand...

This poem is nice; but, over simplifies IMHO.
My brothers who did not return home from Viet Nam did not get to see their children grow up and are not now enjoying their grandchildren as I have and am.
This is the weight by which I measure my gratitude to our fallen heroes.
1olbull
 

1olbull, well said and I understand wholeheartedly. There are things that I can share with fellow soldiers where others may not understand. Now my two boys are in uniform to carry the torch, and like you said, I am blessed to watch them grow while I stand next to the families who's loved ones have fallen. Some of which I served with.
I will never forget.
 

You, my brother, have much to be deservedly very proud of.
Sadly, you also bear equally as much to fear.
My son did his time long ago - fortunately did not have to go overseas, and is now 42.
My admiration and gratitude to you and your fine patriot sons!
 
That was a famous often quoted part of this poem which may cover more of what you feel:

For The Fallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.


Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.


They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.


They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.


They mingle not with laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.


But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;


As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Robert Binyon, 1869-1943
 


TO rocket,
An awesome sentiment! Thanks for sharing it.
1olbull
 
I always pay a special tribute to some brave men from my unit, the men of Vanguard 216, who lost thier lives in Vietnam. The only thing worse than a rocket attack, is seeing airburst near you aircraft. A couple moments in life you will never forget.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register