For Those Who Have Fallen
For the kids who deployed just after high school, ready to give their service to pay for a college education, who never came home.
For the sons and daughters whose parents had to get the phone call, and the parents who had to answer it.
For the parents who will forever miss birthdays and holidays, who didn't see their babies born or didn't see their first steps or didn't see them off to kindergarten.
For the brothers and sisters who will always be missing from family reunions; for the spaces left by silent agreement in wedding photos.
For the empty chair at the table and the empty side of the bed.
For the extra drink at the bar that friends order in solemn tribute, to pour out or drink as is their tradition, one for me, one for you.
For those who are gone, and for those left behind. For those who know this day is about more important things than parades and a day off and a sale at the store.
For your service.
For your sacrifice.
Thank you.
For the sons and daughters whose parents had to get the phone call, and the parents who had to answer it.
For the parents who will forever miss birthdays and holidays, who didn't see their babies born or didn't see their first steps or didn't see them off to kindergarten.
For the brothers and sisters who will always be missing from family reunions; for the spaces left by silent agreement in wedding photos.
For the empty chair at the table and the empty side of the bed.
For the extra drink at the bar that friends order in solemn tribute, to pour out or drink as is their tradition, one for me, one for you.
For those who are gone, and for those left behind. For those who know this day is about more important things than parades and a day off and a sale at the store.
For your service.
For your sacrifice.
Thank you.