Today we honor fallen fighters, who’ve given their lives and limbs to war.

Today is a day, among many, I wonder just whom that sacrifice is for.

Some would say it’s for us, this ultimate service they give.

Not to be unappreciative, but I would much rather they live.

The old send the young to die, fill their heads with glory, paint enemy humans as bad,

Perhaps sometimes it’s called for, but it’s always gory, destructive, expensive, and sad.

Today, we use many high-sounding words, like freedom, and justice, and peace.

I imagine that I, under fire in the sky, might have prayed to just be released.

I am no warrior, never have been, but I respect those who answered the call.

We don’t treat them well. We forget those who fell, and pay too little attention to all.

Those who fought tell me, they joined to serve, for a high-minded reason or other,

But when they were there, with bombs in the air, they fought to protect their brothers.

We’ve coopted their lingo, fun, travel, adventure, whiskey, tango, foxtrot, and Jody

Fubar, Blue Falcon, BOHICA, POG, blivet, snafu and mandatory fun day.

Pols cut the VA funds, make fun of PTSD, and punish those who cry “Unfair!”

We too often dis those who carried our guns, and leave them envying politicians’ healthcare.

And today, the day we say we remember, we put dogs, burgers and ribs on the grill,

Say “Pool’s open,” beginning of summer, and watch bright bombs in the air for the thrill.

So “Happy Memorial Day,” no shade to your fun, not trying to be a buzz-kill,

But save a silent moment for sacrifice, hear the lone bugler playing Taps on the hill.