“Ceremonies”
Soldier’s parade marching in step
Bands play music timed with steady beat
Precision oozing from every pore
Established military sequence to be followed
National colors placed in center of troops
Military honors given, heads bare
Hands over heart, Lyrics recited
Old Soldiers stand, eyes filled with tearful
Memories of bygone years
Chest full of fading ribbons
Metals for campaigns won
Remembering company buddies
Fallen comrades left on the battlefield
Ceremonies conclude with “Pass-in-Review”
The band leads the marching troops
To their respective place
Found before the Retiring Soldier
Finishes the final salute
Leaving with the “Army Song”
As they march into the rising mist
SJ Riggle
January 31, 2002
Today is a day of ceremonies and remembrance of our counties struggle to be free. As a Viet-nam era veteran, and with 20 some years connected with the military community, how I remember well all those July 4ths of years past of parties, and fireworks and concerts played on the parade fields.
But as with Veterans Day and Memorial Day let us look our veterans in the eye's and tell them thanks for a job well done. Sit with them to hear their stories of their glories and heartbreak for fallen friends. This is our Independence Day but the celebration and ceremonies rests of the shoulders of military veterans. Well Done, Band of Brothers, Well done.
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