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War - Military - Veteran Poems written
in 2008 |
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Blue Star Moms
by Roger W Hancock
Raising children for future service,
within society or the military.
Desire most to keep them safe,
always in thought, must release.
Off to college, or entry jobs,
others yet, will serve our country.
Child trains in military service,
Mom becomes a Blue Star Mother.
Mother’s prayer; concern for child;
mothers gather, support each other.
In common bond; military moms;
mothers will… welcome home heroes.
Over the years support more broad,
tending wounded and bereaved.
Volunteerism nurtures needs,
serving families of military service.
hands together in prayer, support,
Blue Star Mothers national bond.
© October 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Family Soldier
by Roger W Hancock
Inspired by PFC. Harry A. Winkler III
Died November 12th, 2006 in Samarra, Iraq.
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Tribute Page
Family Soldier
by Roger W Hancock
A
man loved his family best,
for them to war he left.
Diligence within each task,
performed his duty well.
“Mature and Optimistic,
said platoon commander.
Sense of humor with no nonsense,
pushed to get jobs done.
Family man loved to brag,
of awesome wife and son.
Diligence stepped up a notch,
after a family cyber visit.
Once asked, “Why a soldier?”
“I do it for my family.”
When without fear you walk a mall,
“… I have done my job.”
©
October 16, 2008, Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Mothers Worry
by Roger W Hancock
Inspired by the Mothers
of our young boys going off to war.
Mothers Worry
by Roger W Hancock
A child’s mother
always worry,
when sons and daughters play.
Children grow learning, yearning,
for independence on their own.
Grown, married, becomes a parent,
Mother still maintains her worry.
Responsibility outside family,
does not break, Mother’s worry.
Then a child joins the Army,
trained to deploy on a mission.
Mom back home always praying,
for her child, continues worry.
Behind the lines or on the front,
does not matter. . . Mothers worry.
Soldier knows Mom is loving,
that her mission is to worry!
Taking leave to visit home,
hugging Mom, stops not the worry.
©
October 17, 2008, Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Daddy’s Smile -
Mommy's Smile
Inspired by the Children of those who serve, these little ones suffer
too.
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Daddy's Smile
by Roger W Hancock
Little child smile for me,
I know how sad you must be.
Your daddy’s been away,
oh so long he’s been gone.
Remember his smile,
remember his love.
Remember his arms,
wrapping a tight embrace.
Show me a little smile,
let your smiles be for dad.
Your happiness is his desire,
while you wait for him.
Daddy is on a grand mission,
to keep America great.
When his duty to country done,
he will return to his little one.
Remember, always of his love
how he smiles at you.
He will smile at your picture,
kept close to his aching heart.
© October 14, 2008, Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com
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Mommy’s Smile
by Roger W Hancock
Little child smile for me,
I know how sad you must be.
Your mommy’s been away,
oh so long she’s been gone.
Remember her smile,
remember her love.
Remember her arms,
wrapping a tight embrace.
Show me a little smile,
let your smiles be for mom.
Your happiness is her desire,
while you wait for her.
Mommy is on a grand mission,
to keep America great.
When her duty to country done,
she will return to her little one.
Remember, always of her love
how she smiles at you.
She will smile at your picture,
kept close to her aching heart.
© October 14, 2008, Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com
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Long Last, Laid to Rest
Inspired by the recovery of the remains of,
MIA, World War II 2nd Lt Ernest E. Martin,
US Army, of Hanover, Montana.
MIA, 1944 - Remains found, 2000 -
Identified & laid to rest 2008.
Long Last, Laid to Rest
by Roger W Hancock
American Soldiers fight abroad,
duty to their country.
Each man fights the battles brave,
victory over fear inside.
Wounded in battle brave,
sent back home to heal.
Valor ‘till wounded death,
telegram sent to family.
Honors to those returned,
have held the wartime memories.
Soldiers brave, left unknown,
captured or dead… remained missing.
Offensive against German towns,
Eastward through the forest.
Battle of Vossenack and Schmidt;
German, American confrontation.
Longest battle of the war,
left many fates unknown.
Fifty-six years beyond the battle,
American MIA is found.
Remains are found in year 2000,
Clearing wartime ordinance.
eight long years to identify,
by DNA, Dental and circumstance.
Now a hero is laid to rest,
duty done, may peace be yours.
To you our gratitude,
2nd Lieutenant Ernest E. Martin.
© October 2, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Soldier’s Note
Families hold a great toll when a
Father or Mother goes to war.
Children holding back their tears,
sacrifice exchange; unknown fear.
Soldier's Note
by Roger W Hancock
Huddled down amidst the mud;
today’s mission past is done.
Scribbling down important note;
scant free-time allowed.
Mind wanders today’s mission;
wonder of tomorrow’s battles.
Moonlight illuminates small note,
begins, “My dearest family.”
Fatigue sets in as thoughts meander,
among more peaceful memories.
Quiet times with mom at home,
children laughing at my jokes.
Peacefulness, within this trench,
brought by family thoughts.
Amidst fatigue and muddy bed,
what to say… what to write?
Just three words before I sleep,
jotting down, just three more words,
before I end… this day in sleep.
Moonlight shines upon small note,
simply states… I Love You!
© October 16, 2008, Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Soldier
Sleep
by Roger W Hancock
In a shallow muddy trench
a soldier lay sleeping,
Dreaming horrifying visions,
of prior day’s battles.
Firefight to win the hill,
killing to preserve the valley.
Brother comrades wounded,
bodies of the fallen.
Restless dreams all night,
nightmares lived by day.
Blood mixed in muddy trench,
smeared on camouflaged fatigues.
Cannot fade away the horror,
when by night, eyes close.
(c) 06-17-2008 Roger W Hancock,
PoetPatriot.com
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Time to
Kill
by Roger W Hancock
Soldiers do not feel the valor,
‘comes the time to kill another.
Fear brings training to the forefront,
self-preservation on the war-front.
Young boy’s eyes in frightened fear,
life’s light fades, eyes go clear.
Sickened by the loss of life,
yet, not he, would surely be me.
Bravery comes when time again,
chosing life, the enemy slain.
Blood mixed in muddy ground;
fear, drilling; bravery rebound.
Soldiers do not feel the valor,
‘comes the time to kill another.
(c) 06-17-2008 Roger W Hancock,
PoetPatriot.com
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Duty Valor
Inspired by the duty of
Private First Class Shawn Murphy
as told in his father’s commentary
“The
Value of Service”
Duty Valor
by Roger W Hancock
Young man in duty stands,
volunteer for sick soldier’s duty.
He could have stayed safe in camp;
someone had to pull duty.
Three soldiers in lead Humvee,
patrol the nights of Baghdad.
Sudden explosion lights the street;
IED tears through vehicle.
Three young men instantly killed,
duty for their country.
One young man pulled extra shift,
valor in his duty.
© 9-11-2008 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com
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Just A Man
Inspired by the commentary written by
Lt. Col. Mark Murphy, "The
Value of Service"
Just A Man
by Roger W
Hancock
President of the United States,
leader of the free world.
The American President,
orders young men to war.
Yet this man is just a man,
whatever his politics be.
Decisions of the highest level,
weighs upon his service.
To thank each family,
that lost a loved one;
thank the family for their sacrifice,
is all the Commander need do.
Yet, George W. Bush will often deviate,
from the scheduled protocol;
To meet alone, without the media,
personally thank the families.
With humility devoid of pretense,
a man expresses sorrow.
A man who put the world aside,
to share a
family’s sorrow.
Thankfulness for a soldier,
who gave his life for us.
Then again a President be,
photo op for media.
The man who stands in command,
is just a man who stands.
© 9-11-2008 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com
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Old Soldier Hero
Inspired by (Uncle John) John M. Hancock
October 4, 1918 - July 15th,
2008.
Recipient of the Silver Star; World War II. |
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Liberty’s
Call
by Roger W Hancock
American flag flies so proud,
flying free, reminding all.
Enjoy American freedom,
financed by liberty’s
price.
Sacrifice of founding fathers;
casualties of men today.
Men in military serve,
maintaining freedom, you enjoy.
Assignment matters not at all,
whatever service, duty calls.
Danger within the fire-fight,
or support of those who do.
Women sign to serve as well,
nurturing our liberties.
Families of those who serve,
pay a price in fear and dread.
Enjoy today the liberty,
guardianship of those who serve.
American flag flying proud,
freely prompting liberty’s call.
(c) 06-08-2008 Roger W Hancock, PoetPatriot.com |
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Old Soldier Hero
by Roger W Hancock
Old solder long life
had lived,
remembering war of long ago.
Kept to himself the sacrifice,
of those with whom he fought beside.
Throughout life he did not brag,
telling few of his Silver Star.
Medals sat in the roll top desk,
out of sight of prying eyes.
Then when time, for him drew nigh,
memories conjured the battle cry.
Unknowing why he took them out,
medals he began… confide.
Death now ends his memories,
remembrance will be mine.
I now hold his warrior pride,
for years had been his own.
‘Wish I’d known long ago,
his silver proof of valor.
Wounded in battle, kept the fight,
duty to country and comradery.
Though a hero we always held,
not many knew the tale.
Silver Star of bravery;
before me lies, an old soldier hero.
(c) July 15, 2008 Roger W Hancock, www.PoetPatriot.com
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John Hancock
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(An earlier draft was handed out at the
memorial for John Hancock, on July 19th, 2008)
Military Honors were at the Tahoma National Cemetery
on August 29th, 2008
See the Rhymes of Uncle John's
collections
on the Zander Page of Roger's
Rhymes |
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War - Military - Veteran Poems written
in 2007 |
Final Farewell
by Roger W Hancock
Final farewell to men so true,
sacrifice with greatest love;
for our country, for me and you.
Pure spilt blood, red clouds on water.
Foreign lands fight, American security.
Final farewell, to those we knew,
resigned their liberty;
service in their homeland army.
Youth forsaken; true blue firm breeze,
Discipline defends American liberty.
Final farewell, young men who knew,
risks, though prideful of defense;
homeland safety, battles pursued.
(c) October 6, 2007 Roger W Hancock, www.PoetPatriot.com
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Inspired by and dedicated to
Sgt. Maj. Bradley D.
Conner
One More Hero Gone
One man, continued service,
served his country well.
America sheds another tear.
One man dedicated to country,
Special Forces, Sergeant Major,
fourth tour served, Iraqi front.
Mother’s heart broken,
never more filled with pride,
“pride in accomplishment.”
Father served for better world,
children to live in peace;
one boy, two girls; left behind.
Paraphrase of lover’s words,
believed in mission duty,
“He did
not die in vain.”
(c) May 12, 2007 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Indian Stand
by Roger W Hancock
Pride of duty served,
survived, now to honor past;
Those who served, those who died,
protecting civilized liberty.
Native Indians of various Tribes,
standing out within their clan,
Living for to honor future,
youth who serve, yet some will die.
Reaching out beyond the tribe,
avail them selves to honor others;
Memorial Day, Veterans Day,
events
more for tribute pay.
Attention stand, shouldered rifle,
clad in semi-traditional Indian garb.
Stand poised ready to fire,
members of the 'Inter-tribal,
Warrior Society’s Honor Guard'.
(c) 1-16-07 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
Name of the
Honor Guard corrected on 10-16-08
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Hambone Jr.
by
Roger W Hancock
Hambone Jr., frisky, faithful,
ran among the soldier's march.
Friend to take ones mind;
eclipse a pounding war.
Soldier's friend of the
47th Infantry Regiment,
9th Division of the U.S. Army;
English dog; war dog.
Mascot of American Soldiers,
back in World War II.
Memory etched in stone;
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Mascot, Boot
by
Roger W Hancock
Wondering back of canine heroes,
war dogs trained, Shepherds, Pinchers.
Dogs that served saving men,
in tunnels and on battlefields.
Dogs trained as heroes,
not really suitable for petting.
There is always the exceptional...
of men and of animals.
Troops held down on an Iwo beach,
all the war dogs had been dispatched.
Only one left; Boot the mascot,
knew commands but only a pet.
Boot rooted through three caves,
flushed out all enemy troops.
Some have wondered,
"What became of Boot?"
Ed Sullivan Show had shown,
a hero dog; man's friend.
(c) April 20, 2007 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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War - Military - Veteran Poems written
in 2006
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Another
Hero
by
Roger W Hancock
American hero fallen,
together in grief we join.
Citizens together stand,
honor
those who served.
Tribute
to the fallen;
casualty of liberty.
Family
of the fallen,
bear
our debt in grief.
Today
another funeral;
honors
this one taken.
One man's duty done;
liberty lives today.
(c) April 15, 2006 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
Wars Win
by
Roger W Hancock
War has no winners,
no winners within war;
without war there are no winners . . .
one of life’s dichotomies.
In passivism, oppression wins;
freedom is the loser.
Peace dies a quick demise;
when tyranny reigns in victory.
ward off evil,
war off evil doers.
Winners emerge when war is won,
when evil is overcome.
Peace and freedom is won through war;
when liberty survives.
Those who live in peace and freedom,
are winners of past wars !
(c)
9-16-06 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Lore of Might
by Roger W Hancock
Stars and stripes will fly tonight,
as our enemies take flight.
Over years and over wars,
above our flag will soar.
Those who ready for the fight,
secure our sovereign rights.
Brave young men within the corps,
protect our nation’s shores.
Our Flag will surely fly this night,
availed by ready, military might.
Victory, our soldier’s roar,
flying
stripes declare the score.
Ages of oppression plight;
armed forces duty tight.
Freedom’s lifestyle we adore,
forged from liberty’s ore.
Fifty stars our rights recite,
troops for peace unite.
Sacrifice of young blood pours;
centuries implore, liberty’s lore.
(c) December 05, 2006 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Innocence of War
by Roger W Hancock
Rifle raised,
poised and ready,
soldier advances slowly walking.
In the open of a littered Muslim street,
mission duty, yet stay alive.
Remnants of a market stand,
citizens secluded behind closed doors.
Soldier’s eyes cover every door,
scanning every window, nook and alley.
Movement to the left, one door opens,
rifle swings to that direction.
A little boy runs into the street,
cheerfully jabbers in native tongue.
Up to the solder runs the lad,
admiration or harboring bomb?
Innocence can kill a man;
little boy holds out both hands.
Kneeling down still watching roofs,
soldier pulls out a candy bar.
(c) 9-17-06 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Freedom
Bridge
by
Roger W Hancock
Looming over I-5, Exit 122 to…
Fort Lewis; trainer of brave.
Various demonstrations,
past years have shown, love or hate.
Never more numbers collect, hurray,
love of liberty, soldiers shown.
Pride of sacrifice on each face,
through gates of liberty’s fort.
Every vehicle must pass or turn,
witness cheers, thanks of love.
Pre-empted now by sheer numbers,
holding bridge from soldier haters.
“Job well done!” rally express,
battle fought for homeland pride.
Purpose set, to show our care,
boost moral in liberty’s air.
Yellow ribbons stream support,
tied on rails remain all night.
Local symbol of Freedom’s love,
for men, women of liberty stand.
Civility’s battlefield; bridge 122,
now we call… Freedom Bridge.
(c)
2-23-06 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Snipper’s Mark
by Roger W Hancock
Sweat pouring down from brow,
under Iraqi sweltering sun.
Burdened by pack of supplies;
food, grenades, ammunition.
Beside Humvey kicking sand,
knocked to knees by sniper’s mark.
In stunned surprise back on feet,
frantic dash ‘round corner cover.
Inventory of injury; no penetration;
water drips from punctured canteen.
Visual reconnaissance narrows on fence,
past mortared rock a rifle’s site.
Comrades circle around behind,
insurgent taken by surprise.
With rifle in one hand, video in other,
taping attack, right up ‘til capture.
Hero’s job done this blistering day,
this day live, for desert attack.
(c) Roger W Hancock, May 6, 2006
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Hero’s Day
by Roger W Hancock
One young lad in family tradition,
takes on the green of Army garb.
Father served, retired Navy;
older brother, Army Warrant officer.
Other big brother also served,
flew an A-7 in Vietnam.
Unassuming, a quiet one is he,
three tours in camouflage served.
Duty’s Diligence, serves his country,
forging path to Army Ranger.
Family at home applaud,
the life their son had chosen.
Believing him in Georgia, safe;
chosen few; secret rescue mission.
Black Hawk on the fly, saving others,
enemy fire ruled out, troubled flight.
Helicopter search and rescue,
mission scrubbed by accident.
Each day served, a hero’s day,
two rangers serve their last.
Family of
heroes grieve, back home,
their son, brother gave his all.
Family gatherings; four had served;
now just three and one empty plate.
(c) July 22, 2006 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Hero Braves
by Roger W Hancock
The Navaho clans brave and bold,
weakened by the white man’s famine.
Forced on a long walk far from home,
parched lands narrowed their numbers.
Four years later return to home lands,
difficult time forming Navaho Nation.
Through the years Navaho natives,
lived out proud primitive lives.
Last treaty signed in 1868,
obtain citizenship of the United States.
Many Navaho men and women,
serve their country in World War 1.
Served again in World War II,
when Navaho men turn the tide.
Native Indian tongue becomes,
secret communication, solid code.
Navaho Code Talkers talk their tongue,
confound enemy forces, world wide.
Navaho braves, now soldiers,
served Korea, Vietnam, Middle East.
Brave Navaho, Indian braves,
victorious sacrificing service.
Hero’s of an American War,
stand in step, proud and brave.
(c) 9-24-06 Roger W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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War - Military - Veteran Poems written
in 2005 |
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Soldier's Resolve
by Roger W Hancock
Terror is horror,
under any name.
Stalked by evil's night,
enemy target by day.
Undefined purpose,
unrighteous cause detracts.
Fear breeds bravery,
cause to be more right.
Soldier's duty calls,
matter not the cause.
Duty for the homeland,
opinion kept inside.
Soldier's fortitude is built,
courage from the right.
Focus on right reason,
resolve from righteousness
Some must fight,
some will surely die,
What better purpose than,
peace in liberty?
© 1-29-2005 Roger
W Hancock,
www.PoetPatriot.com
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W A R
by Roger W Hancock
War destroys, war oppresses,
war disturbs the peace.
War kills guilty, innocent;
collateral damage a shame.
Pacifist peace, a dream;
war, for sure, cannot claim.
War is destruction,
war brings restoration.
War curtailed Nazi killings,
victory over fascist past.
American Civil War, its spoils,
liberated those enslaved.
Readiness of modern military,
rent the Iron Curtain.
Evil reigns in war,
without war evil reigns.
Peace has only reigned,
after victories of war.
Peace without a fight,
lost without defense.
Spoils of modern wars,
brought about our peace.
War preserves our liberty,
war defends your peace.
(c) 6-2-2005 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Soldier’s Boot
by Roger W Hancock
Soldier’s foot clad in leather boot,
one step forward a disciplined stride.
Measured call, step by step,
unison pace, one hundred feet.
Comrades together march,
compliance to the cadence call.
Second step in training,
from those who fought before.
Strategies in parade,
on boots to stand or prostrate crawl.
Leather laced footgear clad,
transports mission duty.
Standing firm beside a brother,
dependence on each abides.
Gallant footmarks in the sand,
of battles fought abroad.
Advance or retreat to fight again,
carried by survival stride.
Two by two, majestic row,
spit shined boot a glory
standard.
Copyright,
March 1, 2005 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com
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Cadence the Boot
by Roger W Hancock
Soldier’s foot in leather boo oot,
one step forward discipline stride.
Measured call, step by ste ep,
unison pace one hundred feet.
Comrades we together mar arch,
compliance to the cadence call.
Now hear:
hear this; here and now… right now!
Forward to the battle cry y,
on boots to stand or prostrate crawl.
On battleground or on para ade,
together we will show our stuff.
Leather laced footgear cla ad,
trans-ports our mission du u ty.
Now hear:
hear this; here and now… we march!
Spit to buff and make them shi ine,
tromp on fear by each brave step.
Two by two in gallant ro ows,
these boots will serve in every deed.
With each step our pride will sho ow,
valorously, within us each.
Now hear:
hear this; this our pride… we
march!
Copyright,
March 5, 2005 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Respect Owed
by Roger W Hancock
This liberty that
I enjoy,
granted not be taken.
The liberty that I enjoy,
I owe to those who paid.
The privilege that I enjoy,
its cost was paid by blood,
Those who fought for free,
now lost, will never see.
Their loss is my gain,
respect is surely owed.
Liberty of rights,
are sealed within their death.
I will not burn the flag,
the veteran I will not spat.
I owe to those who paid the cost,
and respect the waving flag.
I am not a veteran,
I have never served.
I owe to those who gave their lives,
that I be free this day.
(c) copyright
April 28, 2005 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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K-9
Rank
by
Roger W Hancock
Dogs beyond, just man's
best friend,
learn in service, best of breed.
Not just furry friend to man,
safety service for human kind.
War Dog rank in military earn,
scout reconnaissance, K-9 duty.
Police Dog rank in law enforcement,
sniffing out criminal element.
Pet, mascot, friend... not just,
bravery beyond tasks trained.
Honors due those heroes true,
dogs in duty, earn respect.
(c) Copyright 6-1-05
www.PoetPatriot.com
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2005
- 2006 - 2007 - 2008
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