'The eagle couldn't have picked a better person'

Star Tribune ^ | 6/25/11 | JON TEVLIN

[Kartographer]

I told Vivian that some cultures believe the eagle is a symbol, not only of patriotism and dignity, but a messenger between heaven and earth. She nodded solemnly.

"I'd say the eagle had a very good eye when he landed on Maurie, and he was respected," she said.

"I miss him," said Vivian as she picked up the photo. "He was a good man and a good provider."

"The eagle couldn't have picked a better person," said Kiefner. He paused. "This has been kind of fun hasn't it?"

Tears welled in Vivian's eyes.

[Kartographer]

Frank Glick took this photo at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. When he recorded the shot, he never could have guessed how much it was going to mean to the widow of the World War II veteran buried there.

[Kartographer]

And this is the poem I wrote for Frank's picture:

The Eagle’s Watch
In a quiet river valley,
Lies a green and peaceful place,
Where warriors come to rest,
Having honorably met their fates.

No more do they stand the watch
Their worthy service done,
They’ve passed their duties on
To other Fathers' sons.

Yet flying high above them,
On silent wings spread wide,
Soars freedom's embodiment
And a country's sign of pride.

The mighty Eagle watches o'er all
And guards their well-earned rests.
For he like they, knows the feel
Of Freedom in his chest.

And though he does his best to guard
The fallen warriors' sleep.
Still at times he grows so weary
And must rest his wings a-beat.

So slowly he glides his way
To where the fallen rest,
And there he bides his time a bit
Among the honored Vets.

And though he knows no words
Of the valiant warriors' speech,
Still they communicate
In a way that words can't reach.

Having communed with those who lie
Among the rows of stone,
The Eagle takes to flight again
And resumes his post alone.

In endless soaring circles,
He surely makes his rounds,
Guarding the fallen heroes
Who make this hallowed ground.

[BeadCounter]

I’ve seen this picture or a similar one used frequently, did not know which grave it landed on though.

[null and void]

Thank you twice, for the post and the poem.

[thesearethetimes...]

Dear Lord, do not let their lives have been given in vain.

[yldstrk]

Men are supposed to be good men and good providers.

These days they no wanna

[Sherman Logan]

A man who tries to do so is portrayed as a loser and a sucka.

Does not excuse a failure in this regard, but certainly our society does not provide adequate incentives to those who are struggling to be responsible.

[clee1]

Those aren’t “men”. They may be male, but MEN they ain’t!

[UCANSEE2]

Those aren’t “men”. They may be male, but MEN they ain’t!

Now you know why FACEBOOK came up with 29000 different 'gender' labels.

[Jane Long]

BTTT.

[jsanders2001]

Great poem. A heart tugger for sure.

[Leaning Right]

Dear Lord, do not let their lives have been given in vain.

When it comes to the WW II heroes, their lives were certainly not given in vain. Hitler is gone. And so are his death camps.

But for those lost since 1945, sadly, I really don't know what to say.

[WildHighlander57]

Many thanks, Kartographer for the picture and poem!

All y’all, ping to this post and picture!

[1010RD]

Awesome.

[cyn]

Wow — lovely. Thanks.