[Faith-talk] Memorial Day Poem for Monday, May 30, 2016

[Paul Smith]

Hello my fellow countrymen.  On this day we in the U.S. and our 
overseas possessions, in our own way, remember our fallen soldiers to 
died in the service of our country so that we may enjoy the freedoms we 
hold most dear.  I'm quite sure that you in other countries have 
something similar, especially in other English-speaking countries on 
November 11 or a day very close to that.  Even though it was a 
sacrifice for me, for the past several years now I'd wake up extra 
early to hear the description of the events on this special day in the 
UK surrounding the goings-on at the Senotaph, the memorial for British 
and Commonwealth soldiers who did what our soldiers did during wars.

So today I have a poem to post by an unnamed author.  Entitled 
"Memorial Day" it is rendered as follows:

These did not pass in selfishness;
They died for all mankind:
They died to build a better world
For all who stay behind.

And we who hold their memory dear,
And bring them flowers today,
Should consecrate ourselves once more
To live and die as they.

These were defenders of the faith
And guardians of the truth:
That you and I might live and love,
They gladly gave their youth.

And we who set this day apart
To honor them who sleep
Should pledge ourselves to hold the faith
They gave their lives to keep.

And there you have this special poem for this special day.  Tomorrow we 
will resume the baffling Bible questions answered.  Until then may the 
God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob just keep us safe, individually and 
collectively, in these last days in which we live.  Your Christian 
friend and brother, Paul