I took my four year old one time to a July fourth parade
We found a place that offered us a little bit of shade
Sitting there close by to us was a white haired older man
His eyes were fixed on something as the parading soon began
My son was fascinated by the old man’s intense stare
And soon we saw he was looking at the flag waving in the air
It was the first thing passing by us as the parade began to start
And the old man struggled to his feet with his cap across his heart
As we stood next to this gentleman my young son asked me why
The older man was shaking and had a tear forming in his eye
Once we all were seated and the parade went on its way
We spoke with the older gentleman and proudly did he say
That he had served in the Marine Corps during World War Two
And he was very proud he’d served the red, white, and the blue
He said he’d lost his brother and his very dearest friend
But it had been an honor to have this country to defend
The older man then said he’d lost his son in Vietnam
And he said I couldn’t tell you just how proud of him I am
I hope that some will think about the sacrifice he made
So that we can all be here to watch this beautiful parade
The old man then put his hand on my son’s tiny head
And he gently ruffled up his hair as quietly he said
My son’s name was James but we always called him Jim
And seeing you here with your Dad it makes me think of him
My son sat very quietly moving next to the old chap
And reached into the bag we’d brought to get his baseball cap
He put the cap upon his head as we watched a marching band
And slowly he reached up and took the old man by the hand
Soon another flag passed by and I was quick to realize
The old man wasn’t the only one with a tear forming in his eyes
My own eyes started misting as I stood there most impressed
As my son stood with a proud marine with his cap across his chest
Author notes
Written February 24th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- AMERICA LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by Talking Toni.
600 points, ended July 31, 2008, 22 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 31 of 31
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Heartwarming!!!!!!!!!
A very nice rhyming story poem of this young boy in marvel of the older gentleman and his story. WHat a great way to teach our children about patriotism...Great job, thanks for your entry and the best of luck in my contest!!!~~Toni~~
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Thank you for entering my military contest. This is a scene that I have witness many times and every time I see it happen, it brings a tear to my eye.
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HOLY smokes~ This touches my heart~ It beautiful! WOW~ OMG~ This is incrediable! Thank you for entering my contest~
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As I read this all I could think about was my wonderful grandfather, who served in WW2, Vietnam, and Korea. The old man in your poem, was my grandfather to a tee. It nice to read things that show the pride our veterans hold dear. This is a wonderful read. You have such extrodinary talent.
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This is a perfect poem for the Fourth of July. It is so good to read a poem honoring those that fought for our great nation. BRAVO on this fine poem and congrats on the gold - you derserved every ounce of it! - joanne
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this is a wonderful heart wrenching poem with just perfect flow and rhyme you did well and congrats on the contest gold
love and light
blaze -
Wow
Just one word to describe how amazing this poem is. Wow.
Thanks for entering
Its been an education -
This is beautiful! I really loved the imagery--I felt as though I were there! Very well written and rhymed! A wonderful poem for the celebration of our country's birthday! Thank you for sharing!
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A very nice poem, and a great tribute to those who serve and those who have been lost. This is definitely very moving and the story is a touching one, honoring an old veteran. That's something which is not done nearly often enough. Once again, great job and good luck in the contest.
-Irish Coffee- -
beautiful tribute
This is a lovely, heartwarming write. So often it is the wee ones who remind us of what is truely important. Nicely done
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A wonderful story told poeticly. As a young man I was very proud to serve my country. With excitement I went to camp at the ripe young age of 17. Unfortuantely in was in 1968. Doing the best I could for family and friends. when I came home with pride in dress uniform I made the mistake of stopping at a bar near home. Being called a baby killer really broke my heart. They that spoke this way had know idea what it was like to sleep with fear for two long years. The memories of Vietnam and the memories of my return home are so mixed now I don't know which was worse.
I also can not read your words aloud.
Dennis
Edited on Jun 18, 4:10 p.m. because ''. -
good job
awww Steve second place, congrats! i love this poem, nice job on the win, take care... Semper Fi!
~Raven -
that was one of the besst poems i have ever read we should all be as proud of our nation and president as well as the troops fighting for us. this is truely a grate poem and i wish you the best of luck in the contest
-pippy- -
I saw this in the contest the other day but the other one got me to thinking about my daughter and everything and that was it... I could go any further. So here I am... attempting to go at it again. I think this of one of the most touching pieces I have read Steve. This should not be hidden away like this. You have such awesome talent my friend. I have no idea how you do it, but your gift is endless. Good luck, as always.
~Kimberly -
Just beautiful. I hope you're submitting this for publication. I think Reader's Digest and other publications that haven't yet lost their sense of morality (though they're getting harder and harder to find) would print it immediately. Great work!
Mark -
wow ...Tears Again..you have a way with words my friend...that painted a beautiful picture for me...thank you for sharing this..thanks for entering and good luck once again..
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This is a really well-written piece, worded well, rhymes and flows perfectly, and is easy to read. I like the content, including so much information, things about the man, his son, you, and your son.
Great write, thanks for entering. -
Wonderful tribute poem
Most excellent tribute
My son of 23 is serving the Army
as Airborne / Specialist.
Then Sargent soon this coming September. yeah!
He's stationed at Fort Polk Louisiana 509th Airborne.
smiles S'more
Yertweetyness
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You have a way of writing that touches the readers heart. I have added you to my favorites. My only regret is that I haven't found your work sooner! I gotta ask with these, are they really true? I'm just curious and feel free to im the answer if you'd like
I think I am your new found fan! LOL!
Keep up the great writing and I'll keep coming back to read!
~Autumn~ -
Hi sewasham
Well what can i say. I love reading your work. This is emotional and can reach others. I hope you carry on writing for a long time to come -
this is a beautiful poem and a wonderful tribute to the troops lost at war great job ! jacqui
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Great job. Tried to read it to my wife and couldn't get through it. Your tears were mine too.
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Once again, Steve, you've shown me why i put you on my fave list. outstanding poem.
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Gee Steve...GOD BLESS... this precious gift in you! You have the heart of a story teller. Wisdom is in you and flows to your pen. There is beauty, and tribute, virtue and honor expressed through your writings! Very Well Done!
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dang it! You aren't supposed to make me cry at work! That is the rule! (sniff) Great write luv and wonderful imagery. Even through my misty eyes I can see the child standing proud!
M -
Oh beautiful, the emotions you captured in this were amazing. The childlike innocence of the son, the questions, the tears, everything! Beautiful work!
Love and Sparkles
-Breathoflilies -
sewasham,
A very fine tribute to all those who made it back
and those who never did...
Reminded me of a poem by my friend Sag, so I pulled the link.
You might want to check it out, tell him Eddy sent you...
He has a few poems dealing with his time in Nam.
Check out my friend similar write here
http://allpoetry.com/Poem/380806
Eddy -
Wonderfully and so simply told - a masterpiece - no politics and worldwide thingies - just real people real emotions etc - I am so impressed!
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awwwwwww.....this is very emotional...i felt like someone from the ARmy.Navy w/e was speaking to me from inside the heart of this poem....it really moved me....very good write.....my grandfather was in the army so i can relate....
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This is so poignant and so true of our dedicated troops. It's just a shame that those returning home from Viet Nam were spit upon by their own countrymen: my brother was one of those, recently having died of cancer related to agent orange. His bitterness was never assuaged by this nation; and, I feel it's about time. This is very well written and a great tribute to our fighting forces. ~~BonnieQ
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That is really awesome. As a Marine myself, I can only give thanks to tributes like this that always mean to much to all of us. Semper fi.
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