These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Blessed Memorial Day!

We honor all upon this day,
who gave their living sum,
that children oft could run and play
because they followed a drum.

The deaths of those who battled fear,
that we could know some peace
show courage, that brought honor near,
caused tyranny to cease.

Some days, parades bring fame to those,
who battled and returned.
This day we honor those who chose
to stay as the end discerned.

In silence, stand before a grave,
or sit near, praying long.
A life, a gift to a Republic save.
We sing a loving song.

These words are meager in the face
of what those faces saw.
Remember those in Saving Grace,
"who faced the battle's maw."

by Jay O’Toole
on May 26th, 2025