The following sonnet is based on a true story related to me by a family member who is a special forces member. I am reprinting it here as a reminder of the sacrifice our men and women in uniform endure to pay for the freedom we enjoy. Please remember our fallen and their families this Memorial Day--and every day.70Please respect copyright.PENANAE1gwzswEek
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER70Please respect copyright.PENANA8pE6Hp9mlb
Behind enemy lines you gave your life,70Please respect copyright.PENANAjOiT76xxoG
The risks you knew and embraced willingly,70Please respect copyright.PENANAHpCe7eGkVh
Red, black and green berets fought by your side,70Please respect copyright.PENANAAGdI1H821u
And brought your body back to family.70Please respect copyright.PENANAZm8mKvEW7S
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Later in a ritual of their own,70Please respect copyright.PENANAvL6OVicNSa
They would name a field airport in your name,70Please respect copyright.PENANAopESQgWeyc
And honor you, your brothers, far from home,70Please respect copyright.PENANAYCMKGCyJAf
Their memory now your eternal flame.70Please respect copyright.PENANAY3Acqy5mZD
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I do not know your rank, your name, your face,70Please respect copyright.PENANAUT57axdaxy
I only know that I am in your debt,70Please respect copyright.PENANAZa4sN1LMF4
Who for your family can take your place?70Please respect copyright.PENANAJtvFlYZpSf
Our debt to them we must never forget.70Please respect copyright.PENANANiYz4E4Ihq
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The freedom I enjoy comes thanks to you,70Please respect copyright.PENANAIRWq3UxGic
And all who serve with honor, proud and true.70Please respect copyright.PENANAZXBSt9dhgS