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.136Please respect copyright.PENANAxkGc8ITrOX
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER136Please respect copyright.PENANA39LI3Pm6uu
Behind enemy lines you gave your life,136Please respect copyright.PENANAlmJwtiCNy0
The risks you knew and embraced willingly,136Please respect copyright.PENANAXkMxEWZ5P7
Red, black and green berets fought by your side,136Please respect copyright.PENANAwWKJcDUIiQ
And brought your body back to family.136Please respect copyright.PENANAxVGvs0Ji8G
136Please respect copyright.PENANAghgPuaUI8Z
Later in a ritual of their own,136Please respect copyright.PENANAM4Gzt5KsRl
They would name a field airport in your name,136Please respect copyright.PENANAjVzIUTYmDS
And honor you, your brothers, far from home,136Please respect copyright.PENANA17iF99QgP6
Their memory now your eternal flame.136Please respect copyright.PENANAHd3LaGmE2i
136Please respect copyright.PENANAB6zAQxzVNY
I do not know your rank, your name, your face,136Please respect copyright.PENANARMjtzBscwA
I only know that I am in your debt,136Please respect copyright.PENANAXx2PUobtUr
Who for your family can take your place?136Please respect copyright.PENANACeody4epy7
Our debt to them we must never forget.136Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6Vqqgi3Uy
136Please respect copyright.PENANAtLDJAc7qXp
The freedom I enjoy comes thanks to you,136Please respect copyright.PENANAvSCprf2NRI
And all who serve with honor, proud and true.136Please respect copyright.PENANAIZkIoHsOeC