Memorial Day is special,
It comes once a year in May,
But I honestly must tell you,
I observe it every day.

 

How could this heart of mine forget,
Loved ones who've gone on,
No day is done - no night goes by,
I do not think of everyone.

 

It's fine to wave a flag and march,
 And salute and stand erect,
My eyes brim over, I choke up,
I bow my head and pay respect.

 

I'm proud of every war time hero,
Those that returned and those that died,
And I ache for all those empty arms
That long to hug them to their side.

 

I always cry when I hear Taps,
I can't hold back the tears,
It doesn't matter when it's played,
Whatever day - whatever year.

 

I buy the Veteran's Poppies,
Which I fasten to my blouse,
I support each Veteran's cause,
And I fly a flag atop my house.

 

Memorial Day, of course, is right,
But it's everyday to me,
I think of loved ones who've passed on,
Every day I breathe.

 

Virginia (Ginny) Ellis
Copyright May 2004