To the men and women who towed the line,
Walked on mines,
Kept watch through the night
Until the dawn’s early light.
To those who left family and friends behind,
Gave freely of their time.
To those who postponed their dreams
So we could know what freedom means.
How do we say thank you?
How do we repay a debt like yours?
You sailed to foreign shores
Never knowing if you would ever be back.
You came under constant attack,
But you never said no to the call.
You gave it your all.
The opportunities we enjoy
Came at great expense.
You provided our defense.
You bore the hurt and pain
Without shame,
Without fear.
Because of you, we are still here,
Standing strong on your behalf.
In your honor, we fly our flags at half-staff.
We raise our hands in salute to you,
Because this is what we do.
You are gone, but you will never be forgotten.
No, you will never be forgotten.
Every Memorial Day, you are there.
Every Independence Day you are there,
Every Veteran’s Day, you are there.
Every victory we celebrate, you are there.
Every flag that we raise,
Every moment of praise
Is not ours alone.
You have made America our home.
You have made America our home.
From every hillside and plain,
We proudly speak your name.
Because of you America is America,
And will always be, America.
Because of you, we can still sing of her spacious skies
And purple mountains
majesty.
You made America the beautiful country we see.
America
Our country, our home
Because of you we can proudly sing,
Let freedom ring!
Long live freedom,
Long live liberty,
Long live America,
Our country, our home.
copyright 2015 Patricia Newman-Harris