Monday, May 25, 2009

When the Blue Star Turns to Gold ~ Memorial Day 2009


When the Blue Star turns to Gold
Someone has given all
to a country that asked them to give
everything they had.

Can we ever repay the gift they gave?
The gift of freedom and safety
that they provided.

Can we ever comfort their loved ones?
Take the pain from the heart
and the loss from their lives.

Can we ever say thank you to them?
As we go about our lives without a thought
for the security we have.

Can we do anything?
We can remember and we can honor
When the Blue Star turns to Gold.

***************************

On Memorial Day, we remember the many who have served us so well, and we remember their families who have lost so much. Most Americans will never know a person who who served and lost their life, nor will they know families and friends of those who have. I have been given the gift and burden of knowing some who have fallen, of knowing Gold Star families, of listening to troops talk about their buddies. However deep the heartbreak, I will always feel priveledged to have known them. Their lives were a gift, a touchstone to freedom. I will remember them. I will carry their faces in my heart forever.

There are many beautiful tributes on the blogs today:
American Ranger writes about those he has lost
Sarge Charlie gives us some memorable images
Exile in Portales shares the Air Force letter on Memorial Day
Conservative Intelligence Report reminds us of those who stand watch
One Loon's Tales gives us The Bivouac of the Dead
Cop the Truth gives us some memorable links
A Soldier's Perspective shares a beautiful poem
Violence Worker has a reminder
Yankeemom has some links for us

For all of my Memorial Day posts:
Memorial Day posts

Whatever you read today, please remember those who gave all.

5 comments:

Amazing Gracie said...

A beautiful memory, indeed.
In 1989, we visited Oah'u. The first item on our list was visiting Pearl Harbor and the memorial. Sure, I'd seen it on TV and in movies, but like everything else, it has to be seen in person. Before you go out in the boat to see the remains of the Arizona, you see a movie tribute that is so well done, you cannot view it without being sobered and awed.
Standing over the Arizona, knowing that there are still men entombed in the ship was totally overwhelming.
We thought the visit would be memorable but didn't have a clue that it would be so haunting. I'll never forget looking up into the clear, beautiful Hawaiian sky and seeing that red, white and blue flag still in control, paying homage to the brave men and women everywhere.
~~~Blessings~~~

Sarge Charlie said...

very nice post, thanks for your service.........

The WordSmith from Nantucket said...

May we celebrate the lives of these soldiers even as we mourn their passing!

May we look after their families, as they look after us!

And always live lives worthy of their sacrifice!

Lovett said...

I am writing a book and want to use the poem When Blue Star Turns to Gold.

How can I find the name of the poet?

Flag Gazer said...

Lovett -
Apologies - I don't remember where I found the poem and I was remiss in not listing the source. I'll keep looking