Before Memorial Day became officially recognized as a celebration of barbecue, the beach, and children's soccer tournaments, it had something to do with commemorating Americans who died in military service. Joyce Kilmer, who wasn't a great poet but did hail from my neck of the woods, composed a rhyme about it.
"Memorial Day"OK, that wasn't so painful. Have fun out there!
The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.
The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.
Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.
May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.
In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace . . . Who brought a sword.
If you hop in the car right now, I think you might be able to catch a few championship soccer matches in Manalapan, Toms River or perhaps West Windsor. :)
Posted by: Roy | May 26, 2008 at 12:13 PM