In Honor of America’s Veterans

I am the spirit, generations gone,
Of Concord Bridge and Lexington,
Their progeny; through all the years when brave men answered duty’s call
And, in fierce and dreadful moments,
Saw horrid things both friend and foe befall;
Knew daunting fear, wavered, went on
To terrible victories, and so
Have heard death’s sad, lamenting song.
I am courage, and sacrifice
And honor’s grand and stark, unbending will
That will not yield to fear, but die
And offer to some worthy cause
The life we have but once to give.
I am the flag that guards this land,
They symmetry of Arlington,
our sacred hill;
I am the essence, and shall be,
Of what is good in America
And what true worthiness can mean;
I am, what tyrants cannot kill.

William A. Watson, 2nd Lt., USMC
G Co. 3rd Bn. 7th Marines