[courtesy Storeylines Press]
Every year I write a post about Remembrance Day (Canada and the Commonwealth Nations) and Veterans Day (United States).
I am always proud to honor soldiers across the globe. My two brothers served in the Canadian Armed Forces. My grandfather fought in WWII, and I have worked on several military bases.
Coming from a military background only reminds me how much it means to honor every soldier for their dedication and sacrifices.
Today I want to share my Mum’s book of poetry that was just released this week.
“MEDALS AND MEMORIES – AND A PRAYER FOR PEACE” is a book that spans time and countries. It’s a book with perspectives from soldiers, family members, friends, and anyone who has a place in their heart for those who have, in many instances, paid the ultimate sacrifice.
My Mum has written all of these poems. However, when you begin to read them, you get the feeling you are precisely that soldier she writes about or that parent who grieves for their son who never returns from battle.
My parents have always had an uncanny connection to Gettysburg, PA, where the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) was fought during the Civil War. My Mum’s book has several poems about that battle. Each one has a sense of bravery, loss, and sorrow that are as true today as they were then. The battles might differ, but war’s deep and raw emotions remain the same.
I love my Mum’s writing, and I feel these poems are her most poignant words to date. From tears to smiles, I am not kidding when I say this book has such a way of taking you on the most thought-provoking journey.
The poem at the top of this post is from her book. Here is another one with Mum’s permission to share with you.
LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY
Here I am in another land,
Lying beneath their soil.
Hell, I didn’t even speak their language,
But I had to come.
Knowing the freedom, I always took
for granted had been wrenched
away from them forcefully,
brutally.
The anger at the injustice,
the horrors that I saw,
the faces of my buddies faded
as I felt the peace of my passing.
And look, someone is kneeling
and leaving a flower,
saying a prayer.
I haven’t been forgotten
After all.
If you would like to read more of Mum’s poems, please click on a link below, and it will take you straight to her book.
Let us never forget those who gave so much in honor and duty to us all.
[courtesy https://nextnationalday.com/remembrance-day/%5D
[courtesy https://triangleonthecheap.com/%5D
**Thank you, Mum and thank you, Barbara, from Storeylines Press.
The Chicago Files 