Know-How Exchange : Our Forum

Here, here! A tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. May God's reward be theirs.

Amen.

Thanks, Randall, for reminding us all of what really counts in this world.

Dear All,

As Brit, living and working in the United States these
last ten years, I've seen much. Some of which, I would
rather forget. Some, I wish I had never seen at all.

The fourth stanza of "For The Fallen" may be familiar to
many for it adorns memorials on both sides of the Atlantic.

This Memorial Day, my tenth on American soil, I think
it's fitting to share it.

May the remainder of your 2009 be peaceful and prosperous.
As may the years ahead.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA (and the UK)

............................................................................................

For the Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death August and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted:
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the starts that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end they remain.

September 1914
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

Well done Randall, a tip of the hat to all who have served and those who continue to serve.

Steve

Yes, thank you to all those who have served in the military AND their families, because families serve too.

and...you're welcome! :-)

Janine Joi
Viet Nam era Vet - Army
Gulf war prep Vet - Air Force

Steve Phariss
Mideast Expeditionary Force
Tanker wars - Navy

Just saw this story on CNN featuring Google Earth project to honor the more than 5,700 American and Coalition servicemen and women that have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

https://www.mapthefallen.org/