Unknown

We all know that freedom isn't free

Laid to rest with honor

No name upon the stone

May he have eternal rest

In the Tomb of the Unknown

 

Unknown, where he came from;

Unknown, how he died

Deserving of all homage

For what has been denied

 

The family had no closure

Parents grieved, but never knew

A grateful country owes him;

He paid our freedom’s due

 

Guards walk the mat precisely,

Their brother, never alone;

Twenty-one solemn paces

At the Tomb of the Unknown

 

Here rests in honored glory

In tribute without cease 

A soldier known but to God 

Beneath Victory, Valor, and Peace

Author's Note

I am always greatly affected by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington. I feel that these men paid the ultimate price, and then some, because their families were denied their final goodbyes. This is the Memorial I will be thinking about this Memorial Day.

Reviews

[Tate Morgan]

Such a sad thing to see isnt it? I was thinking of the afgan war and daydreaming on the fact that those who are there now likely werent even born when it started

[Rita L. Sev]

Sad indeed - so many sad aspects in our world today. But, as always, I live in Hope... Good to see you, Tate.

[Franky]

this is beautifully written. Thank you for making me feel good (and sad too). But a great write.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Frankie.

[Zahra]

That's true, freedom's never for free, and if we take it for granted it is taken away easily. Very well written.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Voice!

[Aethereal]

Thanks for your beautiful tribute to all those lost. It inspired me to write a tiny tribute of my own which you may have as a gift:

Unknown Soldier

Our great nation cares
when friends come to pray
for loved ones of their's
who were lost one day
caught within the snares,
swept up by the sway
of a war's cross hairs.
One Unknown shall stay
in a tomb that bears
all the deep dismay,
and the silent tears
for those lost that way.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you.

[Arrinae]

I thank you for your support for our troops.

[Rita L. Sev]

Wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for reading.

[Saumya]

a great and grand tribute....!!
very well done..!!!!
:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!

[Saumya]

you are highly welcomed, dear..!!!
:)

[crazer]

Well written nice ryme and rythym, to not know what happened to a son or daughter, only that they were sent to place that hates them wants them dead, could a parent bare a more nightmarish reality than that. Our faceless nameless fallen soldiers are our most honor worthy. Wonderful piece crazer.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Crazer. I agree - these men deserve our highest honor.

[Brokensoul]

This reminds me of the poem Elegy written in he country churchyard. Very well written and the rhymes have a reason.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much! Coincidentally, I also have a poem titled "Elegy" on here.
I appreciate your review!

[SteveB]

Very nicely done. It is quite easy with a piece like this to slip into maudlin sentimentality but you avoided that trap. I like the little touches like the 21 steps. Thank you for sharing this.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Steve. Truly appreciate your comments!

[Baby Ricochet]

Beautiful. Thank you

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Mark.