The Silent Legion

The Silent Legion Tucked into closets both near and away, Amidst cedar planks, now alee of the fray, Rest class A’s once borne on frames Straight and young. A legion of aging uniforms hold fast Fading ribbons of campaigns past, Honoring selfless acts inked indelibly Upon the wounded minds. This suit of my country is not kept to don But to never forget the inseparable bond, Forged in grave times by young men Who held the lives of each for the other. Oh, to once again form ranks with all of us Who were once that Unum from the Pluribus And rise to the call of cadence, sung sharp and clear, Holding sway o're a platoon of ground-crunching boots. My faithful ones, my brothers-gray, You did not shy from the call to obey The just tradition of those who stood Their watch in the shield of freedom. You fought for liberty on Concord Green and Lexington, Belleau Wood and the Marne, Normandy and Iwo Jima; Inchon And Chosin, Ia Drang and Khe Sanh; (a Cold War twice inflamed) From Ramadi to Nuristan, and places unnamed. When our flag is on parade and some take a knee, The Red, White and Blue is the veteran’s guarantee Paid for with the Sacrifice, Courage, and Honor Of those whose remains they dishonor. It is to you America and the world owe thanks, (Steadfast guardians of freedom’s frailty) For now your sons and daughters join ranks, Defending liberty with life, And risking return interred amidst cedar planks. Copyright Paul Thomson 2020