Ode to My Marines

For Centuries you fought,
In land, air, and sea with all your might.
You gave it all to the Marine to your right and left,
For the families at home so they may safely rest, 
And strangers for whose lives you showed utmost respect,
Through the anger, desolation, pain, and anguish you felt,
You show much candor, honor, valor, and courage in your fight.

In 1775, you fought in the Battle of Princeton,
And aided the creation of our nation;
In 1918, you fought in Belleau Wood,
You held the line when no other nation could;
In 1968, you fought in Khe Sanh;
You held the hill that was nothing but pure hell.
You did this and more with faith in those who led.

In 2021, Marines fell at Abbey Gate,
Not holding a firing line but a freedom gate,
To the many fleeing tyranny and pure hate.
You were giving them hope to exercise their right
To pursue life, liberty, and happiness with all their might
Your sacrifice is never in vain, not in the slight!
I will tell you now that what I believe is right.

You did not fight for politician or policy,
You did not fight for money or vanity,
You did not fight for medals or glory,
But to save lives and preserve basic human dignity!
Those who fought alongside will remember you,
Your loved ones will always love and endear you,
Those people you saved will forever honor you!

I ask those who lead, whom by people are chosen,
To honor those that have fallen;
Not by words that will win you an election, 
But by righteous deeds that may cause you your position.
For these Marines are our nation’s foundation,
They are the pillars of  the American idea that is suffering an erosion,
An idea without which our nation has a destructive premonition!