Those who did not run and sacrificed their lives for others
can not measure the depth of our gratitude.
It matters not how long ago it was done, just that they heard the
call and they heeded it.
Some were not aware that it would be them that would fall,
nevertheless they did.
What can you say when a man puts his life on the line many
times for those they do not even know.
What more than the lesson of what the cross meant can be measured in this their moment of standing and being counted.
I cannot count on those that are lazy and turn their back whether
the cause is noble or not.
I make no judgement of what is right in these situations I only
know that the sacrifices of those like Michael McDonnell should never be forgotten.
So when we read of his life and his poetry and the final act
of his life let us all remember that other saying.
"Thus do in rememberance of me."
The words are not adequeate enough to thank him and the others
for their names will be remembered with valor, gratitude and celebration.
Author notes
My own brothers served in the military, one was wounded in Korea but died in a car wreck, killed by a drunk driver. However still others serve today in places most people would never dare go to.
A contest entry
- O is for O'Donnell - Capt. Michael D. O'Donnell KIA Cambodia 24 March 1970 by just mercedes.
900 points, ended May 10, 2008, 6 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
We support our troops no matter where they are.
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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I don't know of Capt. M.D. O'Donnel but I also salute every person who serves their country in uniform on the side of freedom and our right to live the way we do. I am from a family of Royal Navy personnel and I appreciate every word you have written here. For all of them who paid the ultimate price or live with the dire scars and the families who grieve, past present and future, I salute them all. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt write here.
Sheila
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I lost friends and those that came back
were for ever changed. But the only shame they knew was that held by the media created lack of necessity.
The idea written by queens and cowards who were the me generation, who were more into making a name for themselves than honoring those who fought for the freedom of others-the American Way.
Laying one's life down for other's is supposed to be the Christian Way, but they who runaway, have only love of self.
As to the poem Judy in this case a comma would help the beat.
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This is a wonderful eulogy to a brave and unfortunate soldier, Michael D. O'Donnell. Thank you for your entry to the contest and your support of the troops.
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Thank you for this entry to the contest. You have expressed strongly your feelings of honour and respect for servicemen who give their lives in the course of their service and make this ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of others. I do wish you had spelled Michael O'Donnell's name correctly.
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Outstanding
I thought your words were poetic but not in the usual sense. This has a lot of depth and feeling and embraces humanity with love and understanding. Best of luck in the contest.
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I stand with you
my friend for we think as one when it comes to honor and our country and respect for those who serve. Weither it be in the military or in the support of our nation I respect, as do you, all who are and were there. Sometimes it is harder to be at home waiting than it is to be on the lines. I did not like it when my role changed. I know I am where I belong.
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There can't be enough poems like this right now to counterbalance the masses of ungrateful Americans who think in terms of moral relativity and blame America and President Bush for every problem in the world. There are still good guys and bad guys, and the bad guys are so clearly drawn this time (Islamic terrorists), it amazes me that everyone in the country isn't behind taking them out as much as Americans were behind taking out the Nazi's. Great job on this.
Mark
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