Memorial Day, 2011
If you are able,
save for them a place
inside of you,
and save one backwards glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men feel safe and decide
to call war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Maj. Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January, 1970
Dak To, Viet Nam
May God, in His infinite wisdom and loving mercy, see fit to bless our nation, and allow us to be worthy of their sacrifice.
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.
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6 Comments »
I have tearsin my eyes, and a lump in my throat. That was beautiful. On this, and every, Memorial day remember our fallen comrades in arms. And remember it as well when and if we must stand on our OATH once more.
That, btw, is not another link to my post. That is something else far more inspirational, I think. Easily as.
Those are powerful words, rendered even more poignant by the fact that Major O’Donnell himself became one of those “gentle heroes left behind” when he courageously and selflessly tried to save the lives of several of his fellow soldiers.
Dangit- The windstorm here in Tejas stirred up dust in the house.
Superb Crunch, just Superb.
Thank you, kind Sir.
Response to Mike M @:
Thanks for that background on Maj. O’Donnell Mike. Until today I knew next to nothing about the man other than that he wrote the poem. A remarkable example of bravery and love of his fellow soldier, made even more remarkable by its commonality among his fellow warriors.
Got dusty here, too.
Beautiful post!