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.99Please respect copyright.PENANAYmUD4389s9
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER99Please respect copyright.PENANAgrVugsQY3E
Behind enemy lines you gave your life,99Please respect copyright.PENANAkYpzNoGxpQ
The risks you knew and embraced willingly,99Please respect copyright.PENANAvrLq8cBB8H
Red, black and green berets fought by your side,99Please respect copyright.PENANAjVBjfn8Us3
And brought your body back to family.99Please respect copyright.PENANA8K0mAzmCnz
99Please respect copyright.PENANA2KOHVd5dnN
Later in a ritual of their own,99Please respect copyright.PENANAwSX6fk3eqV
They would name a field airport in your name,99Please respect copyright.PENANAKGv9TvOTNp
And honor you, your brothers, far from home,99Please respect copyright.PENANAK8fSjJOQB7
Their memory now your eternal flame.99Please respect copyright.PENANA6vk6GqyTLS
99Please respect copyright.PENANAobR60f1mBA
I do not know your rank, your name, your face,99Please respect copyright.PENANA3v7tAD0yZs
I only know that I am in your debt,99Please respect copyright.PENANAOpCudaMQ7i
Who for your family can take your place?99Please respect copyright.PENANAi76qDqvoQR
Our debt to them we must never forget.99Please respect copyright.PENANAdWVm4CrKAd
99Please respect copyright.PENANAeZeaGJBYOr
The freedom I enjoy comes thanks to you,99Please respect copyright.PENANAYvnuWbIEKf
And all who serve with honor, proud and true.99Please respect copyright.PENANA4NRtR91XdP