DEBIT

"Remember them" and "Honor them"
These words are said on days
that have been set, as if enough;
As if the dues are paid.

These dates upon a calendar,
some are circled red,
The color of the fortune paid
by living and by dead.

The Flags, Parades and Tributes,
an effort made -- although
We did not see blood bartered
for the freedoms that we know.

This most untender tender
Some have seen -- still see.
Their investment gathers interest
from sea to shining sea.

These costly rights and privileges
Are gifts to you and me,
From Veterans, who paid the price;
Know Freedom is not Free.

©Copyright Memorial Day, 2000 by Lucille J. Biscaglio
(Revised May 2001)

"Honor and Remember them"
we hear the words again.
We had some benefactors
and listened now and then.

Freedom's costly calendar
has a brand new circled date;
Innocents and Innocence
the casualties of hate.

The bottom line has changed for us
in minutes, black to red
Our loss, compounded daily
in the living and the dead.

Stock we held in freedom,
we watched it as it fell.
Our precious stock will rise again;
it's one we'll never sell.

Our Veterans paid this price before.
These sisters and these brothers
have known that "Freedom is not Free."
but some pay more than others.

Those words are so much clearer now
The cost we sadly see
withdrawn from hearts' and souls' accounts
from Sea to Shining Sea.

Home and Freedom in the balance
the costs are everywhere
and "God Bless America"
Not just a song ~ Our prayer.

With greatest Respect and in Tribute to all who paid