"We Can"

"We Can"


There is no greater sacrifice
than offering to pay the price
of freedom for your countryman.
When called upon they said, "We can."

The nation's heart was torn in two
by brothers wearing grey and blue.
With blood, they healed the nation's rift.
Their "We can" was their final gift.

The world at war. Not once but twice,
they shed their blood in sacrifice
to stop the evil born of man.
The challenge met with words, "We can."

The litany of hate moves on
yet still we seek the coming dawn.
On air or land or ocean's sea -
"We can" stands up for liberty.

We've set aside one special day,
the last Monday of every May,
to recall courage without bounds.
Their "We can" still bravely resounds.

We're blessed. That spirit, still today,
is present when our soldiers say,
"We can" when challenged with a task.
They give their all; no need to ask.

In moments where the silence rests
we speak to God with our requests.
Remember those who've paid, so dear,
so we can live life without fear.

An entry for the May round of "HONORING OUR VETERANS " 
Prompt: Open
Form: Quatrains written couplet form using tetrameter.