Honor Ride
This
is a poem written for and dedicated to a group called Patriot Guard
Riders, who began as a small group outraged by a cult calling itself a
ministry that organized twisted protests at the funerals of US
soldiers. Patriot Guard Riders now have active chapters in every state
and their mission has expanded to serve as tribute to as well as
defense for fallen veterans and first responders. The Patriot Guard
Riders are also active in support for wounded and struggling veterans
and they greet those returning from tours of duty, both living and
dead. For more information, click here.
Patriot Guard Riders recently honored the life of US Army veteran Sgt. Michael Pejkovic, who was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam some 40 years ago. As the Patriot Guard Riders remind us, we are charged with the mission of remembrance.
Honor RidePatriot Guard Riders recently honored the life of US Army veteran Sgt. Michael Pejkovic, who was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam some 40 years ago. As the Patriot Guard Riders remind us, we are charged with the mission of remembrance.
By Annmarie Lockhart
(dedicated to Patriot Guard Riders and in memory of Sgt. Michael Pejkovic)
They ride that they might stitch and sew
Old Glory rent by every death
or worse, every smear or stain
flung falsely in religion's name
on those who fought for Nation plain.
They ride that they might comfort
those returned unwhole,
those returned unhoused, unhealed, unworked,
those who wear or bear their stripes for years and die their tales untold.
They ride that they might shield
families who mourn their laid-out dead,
and honor
Patriots who once stood tall and strong, but finally can stand no more,
and remember
their own lost
brothers/fathers/sons
sisters/daughters/mothers
friends.
They ride that we might know and own
their calling:
"Standing for those who stood for us."
We stand with them, in whatever ways we can.
Posted by Annmarie at 7/27/2009 10:58 PM 
Categories: today's words, vox poetica originals, dedication
Tags: Annmarie Lockhart veterans free verse Patriot Guard Riders
Categories: today's words, vox poetica originals, dedication
Tags: Annmarie Lockhart veterans free verse Patriot Guard Riders
I loved the meaning, the sound, the feel of this strong poem.
I wonder if the author might consider breaking some of the longer lines.
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