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 warrior's 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.
Copyright 2011 by Jack Cook
“Not only was she shocked to see the eagle watching over her husband’s grave, but she also told Glick that she and her husband used to photograph eagles together before he died.”
Beautiful story and poem. Thank you to all of our Veterans.
Beautiful photo. Beautiful poem.
Thanks, FRiend.
They say that a picture is worth a thousands words, though with the right words, a picture’s image is amplified a thousand fold.
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Bfl
I get chills every time I see this picture. And this poem suits it perfectly. Beautiful.
bump
Better for MEMORIAL Day. ;-)
Very nice. Thank you.
Veterans and active duty troops have gone and done their jobs for the United States for over 200 years now. Almost all are the same. Afraid to lose their young lives or be horribly maimed but they saddle up and go out anyway and focus on their mission and tamp down their fears. Not many are front line though but they all endure some hardship.
Our own son has returned from harm’s way in the war zones he was sent to five times now. Each time he went we held hope for his safe return like so many other parents have. Care Packages of Gummy Bears and essentials went out each week. So much that he gently told his Mom that every-other-week would be fine to send care packages. He also suggested we send packages to guys who got none. Each time he has returned home we began to breathe again. Each time we leaned on God’s providence and knowing our son is aware, well trained, smart and capable.
We are not alone, we are not special we are just another set of parents who love their son and wonder what is worth the price so many others have paid. We ache for the loss of those that rest beneath the stones, help those maimed, rejoice for the ones returned home safe again and are so very grateful for the service of all who have given for our well being.
Only 2% of the population have a direct connection and knowledge of the effort, sacrifice and fears of serving the nation in our military. We send our best and most courageous. The rest watch and ride for free. They will never experience the cost and value of Liberty.