Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today released the following statement honoring Memorial Day.
“At a Memorial Day ceremony in Trenton on Saturday a World War II veteran asked if I would read a poem for the veterans. I did, and I am sharing with all as a reminder that we should take every opportunity to ensure the brave men and women who serve our country know how greatly they are appreciated.
“Our servicemembers, veterans, and their families deserve our gratitude, love and support every day of the year. On Memorial Day, we honor their sacrifices, remember those we have lost, and resolve to work together for the ideals they bravely fought to defend.”
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, and he sat around the club room, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done, in his exploits with his comrades, they were heroes, everyone.
And thou' sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, all his comrades listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way, we'll hear his tales no longer, for he has passed away.
He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife, for he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.
He was one, who in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his country, and offers up his life.
He was just a common veteran and his ranks are growing thin, his presence should remind us, we may need his kind again.
If we didn't do him honor, while he could hear the praise, then at least, let's give him homage at the end of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline, in the paper that might say, OUR COUNTRY IS IN MORNING, FOR A VETERAN DIED TODAY.
