Veterans Day
Veterans Day: the small inconveniences today, like no mail or banking services, the embarrassing commercialization, buffet breakfasts, proud parades and sundry events are all part of this annual American holiday to honor military veterans.
US Naval Historical Center
Respectful reflections
The Arlington National Cemetery means many different things to the more than 4 million people that visit it annually. It encompasses American history, provides a chance to honor and remember the veteran war heroes buried there; allows a last farewell for those whose friends and family have funeral services there.
Visitors walk among the headstones, visit the Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknowns, and monuments like the Eternal Flame of the Kennedy grave and the mast of the USS Maine.
From the Arlington National Cemetery website photo gallery
Final deployment
Annette Marie Hyder
The dead lie resting
in friable beds —
in beds of earth.
Their pillows have been plumped with pride —
cased with military piping;
their blankets stitched with grief
a cold comfort flag.
US Naval Historical Center
Respectful reflections
The Arlington National Cemetery means many different things to the more than 4 million people that visit it annually. It encompasses American history, provides a chance to honor and remember the veteran war heroes buried there; allows a last farewell for those whose friends and family have funeral services there.
Visitors walk among the headstones, visit the Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknowns, and monuments like the Eternal Flame of the Kennedy grave and the mast of the USS Maine.
From the Arlington National Cemetery website photo gallery
Final deployment
Annette Marie Hyder
The dead lie resting
in friable beds —
in beds of earth.
Their pillows have been plumped with pride —
cased with military piping;
their blankets stitched with grief
a cold comfort flag.
Posted by Annette Marie Hyder at 11/11/2008 11:33 AM 
Categories: Writing and Poetry, News and Politics
Categories: Writing and Poetry, News and Politics
Trackbacks
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6/1/2010 12:45 PM
Ad Libitum wrote:
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery The Cannon of Those Who Have Gone Down Before Us Annette Marie Hyder Our soldiers lie under blankets that are made of hard cold ground they rest their eyes on a dark-some sky in chambers without sound. The clean kiss of dirt has swallowed them down and cast from 'ashes to ashes and dust to dust' ... -
5/31/2010 6:49 PM
Ad Libitum wrote:
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery The Cannon of Those Who Have Gone Down Before Us Annette Marie Hyder Our soldiers lie under blankets that are made of hard cold ground they rest their eyes on a dark-some sky in chambers without sound. The clean kiss of dirt has swallowed them down and cast from 'ashes to ashes and dust to dust' ...
That is a fantastic poster you found....and your verses were simply moving.
Lovely
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That's definitely a favorite poster of mine. Another favorite, unrelated to recruitment posters, is the Attack of the 50 ft Woman poster.
I'm glad to hear that my verses moved you -- thank you!
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