We watched City Island's Parade with our flag extended
It continues to flutter through the breeze
While military, veterans and civilians salute it
And then we all stand solemnly at ease
We looked at the men and women in uniform
So young, standing tall and so very proud
With their color guard and eyes alert
They'd stand out in every crowd
We wondered how many serving USA
Have fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many family's tears?
Which planes were shot down?
How many perished at sea?
Many foxholes as soldiers' graves
No, Freedom is not Free.
We heard the sound of Taps at Trinity Church
And most everyone was standing still
We listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill
We wondered just how many times
Taps would also mean"Amen"
When a flags cover coffins
Of a brother or our friend
We thought of all the children
of the Mothers, husbands and the wives
Of Fathers, Sons, and daughters
Withstanding interrupted lives
And we thought about the graveyard
By the shore of Pelham Bay and overlooking a blue sea
Or the number of unmarked graves everywhere
No... Freedom is never going to be FREE
City Island Images wishes everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day.
Together we honor the men and women who have died over the centuries for our freedom and our democratic government.
We must not hasten more veterans to untimely graves. We owe it to our military veterans to immediately begin cleaning house throughout US Veterans Administration facilities.