heroes

how much they sacrificed

we may never know;

that they sacrificed

we will always know:

today is for remembrance—

today is for thanks.

let us not look to

the horrors they remember;

those horrors we will never see;

they served with free will

and supreme courage

so that we would never have to

see them.

Any attempt to give in return

will never be a gift in kind –

no such gift was asked;

no such gift required.

there are gifts, though, neighbors,

that we can

(and should) give freely:

respect, honor, kindness,

gratitude, and

a promise

never to forget.

Rich Follett, November 2021