In Quiet Honor

Today I pause in quiet reflection

Not for medals
Not for recognition
Not for applause

But for those who answered a call greater than themselves

For the brave and weary souls who walked into uncertainty
Who stood their ground when fear was near
Who carried burdens unseen
And sacrificed moments of their own lives so others, including myself, could live freely

As I close my eyes to the silent voices, knowing some of those servicemen and servicewomen returned home to long waiting arms
Some able-bodied souls returned carrying memories that would never leave them

And as I lower my flag to half-staff in their honor, for those brave souls who never returned home at all, I quietly salute you

Yet their service will always remain woven into the fabric of our great nations
In the luxury of our freedoms we often take for granted
In peaceful Grand Risings to greet Heavenly Sunrises
In soulful family gatherings
In the ability to dream, inspire, reach, teach, or preach without fear

Today I honor in remembrance, and to the living, the courage unto you who have marched forward
The strength that endured your silent hardships
And the devotion that placed duty before self

May those who served know their sacrifices matter, and with these words I inscribe, no that your cause will never be forgotten

May peace find every Veteran wherever their journey has taken them here and abroad

And may gratitude forever speak the words that history sometimes cannot

To all Veterans

Thank you for your service
I humbly thank you for your sacrifice
From the whisper of humanity, thank you for your unwavering courage

Today and always, in loving memory of my Father (Navy) and my Brother (Navy).

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Kemymalia (K.)™