Last Monday in May
by
John T. Bird
We pause to remember those who died
With so much courage, so much pride
They'll never come back, yet their memories endure
To remind us of freedom: fragile, pure
We're worthy of their sacrifice if we pause each day
Not only on the last Monday in May
My brother John wrote this poem and received an award and the honor of having the White House publish it on their White House Commission of Remembrance webpage.
John's poem is also syndicated each year on Memorial Day in papers across America. The inspiration for this poem is our dad, John C. Bird, a Dartmouth College graduate and lawyer, who, at the age of 23, rose to the rank of captain of his ship in the Pacific during World War II. He's a living member of the "Greatest Generation".
The Friday before Memorial Day the Beacons were given an awe inspiring presentation by their classmate, A.W., who had his grandfather's medals of honor from World War II. It was very poignant. I wish you all could have been there to see A.W. in his cub scout uniform sharing his grandfather's story of glory and honor. It really set the tone for this important federal holiday. So on Monday, and everyday, we will give pause to remember those who gave their lives for us and for the precious freedom we treasure each day.
