Veteran's Day Poem: Crosses and Poppies by John Stuart

Crosses and Poppies

The best things in life are free,

But not when it comes to Liberty;

The Right that we desire the most

Is one that tolls a heavy cost.

Long ago, before you and I were born,

A war evolved into a worldwide storm

Where guns and tanks and mustard gas

Were used to kill as each day passed.

Thousands of men were lost each day,

As battles raged in trenches gray;

Young men, whose lives were sacrificed

By those who wished war glorified.

And in the end, when war was done,

Crosses and poppies covered each son

Whose life was spent to make us free,

So respect the cost of Liberty!

© John Stuart

7 November 2013

Veterans Day Poem

If Liberty means anything to me,

I will remember what my freedom cost,

By those who gave their all to keep me free,

Whose lives were sacrificed, but never lost.

I will remind myself of what they did,

And keep them dearly cherished in my heart;

Their honor never from me shall be hid

And I will know they always did their part

To save our nation and its people here,

To pledge their lives in defense of our ways,

To show that freedom always outlives fear,

And sacrifice is hallowed all our days.

If Liberty means anything to me,

I will remember those who kept me free.

(c) John Stuart