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.19Please respect copyright.PENANAuQDrmBLeBz
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER19Please respect copyright.PENANAvx1RhTea6H
Behind enemy lines you gave your life,19Please respect copyright.PENANAmwMeGNwG82
The risks you knew and embraced willingly,19Please respect copyright.PENANAQjtFRfy6vk
Red, black and green berets fought by your side,19Please respect copyright.PENANAyLJtIXvJjN
And brought your body back to family.19Please respect copyright.PENANAVm8GPa9kBh
19Please respect copyright.PENANAWDnWCT4GjR
Later in a ritual of their own,19Please respect copyright.PENANAcc4XmMZTkQ
They would name a field airport in your name,19Please respect copyright.PENANAs60VMK0suv
And honor you, your brothers, far from home,19Please respect copyright.PENANALkGy2R09ao
Their memory now your eternal flame.19Please respect copyright.PENANA0y8714b40D
19Please respect copyright.PENANATiTDlp41KT
I do not know your rank, your name, your face,19Please respect copyright.PENANAEQuEPOk89i
I only know that I am in your debt,19Please respect copyright.PENANASepU9r8JeF
Who for your family can take your place?19Please respect copyright.PENANAc2S0kLLtCu
Our debt to them we must never forget.19Please respect copyright.PENANAT9xevUykYj
19Please respect copyright.PENANAwsQrA4BE6D
The freedom I enjoy comes thanks to you,19Please respect copyright.PENANAhXMbZHqz6K
And all who serve with honor, proud and true.19Please respect copyright.PENANASHdcZWp4yr