MEMORIAL DAY 2014

The Lions of Blauvelt will be presenting a MEMORIAL DAY Tribute to our Veterans, Monday, May 26th at The Lions Park,  12:00 PM, Blauvelt, New York. It was requested that I present an original poem, as I have in past years. I wanted this to be a poetic dialogue echoing the words of our community. I requested that the Lions simply send on to me any word that came to heart when reflecting on our Veterans. And so this ... MEMORIAL DAY 2014.

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial be this day defined
Memorial be our grace in knowing divine
Each letter calls to heart from which grace resounds
Within each word an awakening abounds
MEMORIAL
Manifest,
Eternal,
Majestic,
Omnipresent,
Revelation,
Inspiration,
Aspiration,
Love,
The gifts of LIFE with vision blessed and bold
This the giving within each Veteran's story told
Loyalty, dedication, ascending care be they known
This in valor by our sons and daughters shown
In commune our chorus of heart be heard
Within be known the calling of THE WORD
Courage, to hold to freedom's light
Perseverance, to face the challenges each day each night
Fortitude, strength imbued with noble deed
Sacrifices in the name of God and freedom's creed
Families, sons and daughters, husbands and wives
A community of people gathered are we
In homage to each Veteran
Be known Freedom's call from sea to sea
Be known Freedom's call from sea to sea.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York