Soldiers and Sailors Monument
by Paul Shreve
CRWA Training Specialist
During the first week of May 2006, I was privileged to attend an EPA training conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The window of my hotel room provided me with an incredible view of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedicated to all those that have served this great nation throughout many wars and conflicts. Early one morning, prior to the start of training, several busloads of children arrived at the monument for, what I presume was a part of, a history classand lesson. As I watched the children looking at and playing on and around the monument, I experienced a burning in my soul and began to write the following:
The sun shines bright and the birds sing and fly gracefully around a great monument today, and children play at the base of an historic symbol of our many and great, hard won, freedoms. Little do they know or seem to care about those who died to bring them here.
OH, Children, if you will but pause,this day, stop, sit, and listen, yes, listen and you will hear the midnight ride of Paul Revere,and hear many more that warned of war. Their rides were short, but the journey long in their efforts to keep the life of freedom strong.
May we ne'er forget, or speak poorly of those who protect our freedoms willingly. Those who've fought at home and abroad, to keep freedoms charger brightly shod. As Eaglesfly we shan't deny the great price paid for you and I. If,we fail to understand, freedom is not free, and all must stand, to keep our glorious freedom in this Promised Land.
We must not shrink from public view, when tough fights we're asked to do. We must never fail in freedoms cause,for many souls lifeblood is lost. For you, for me, and thousands more, planes have flown and guns have roared. This great land has known many fights and from none have we taken flight. Paul Reverewas but one of many who gave rise to strength against tyranny.
Trembling not, fifty and six signed their names to a Declaration of great fame. Shrinking not from Britains' reign our founders dared a haughty king. Fearing not the king's red wrath, our farmers, smiths, and diplomats, patriots all, took the task of freedom's cause,then gave their lives to make it last.
George, with troops raw, and doubtless sore, kept up the cry and marched to war. Freedom was the binding cord that held the patriots in freedoms ward. The world had not seen such a fuss, but freedom for the colonies was a must. 1812 was another fight in this nation's journey to freedoms might. 1815, '47, and several more are battles fought with deaths aplenty. 'Remember the Alamo' was the cry, of yet another scrap in freedoms' fight. Dan'l and Davey gave their all, so Texas and freedom would not fall.
Lincoln tried to stay the course, a higher road for abolitions cause. Habits ingrained are hard to break, and freedom for slaves,a war would take. The greatest blight on this nations pride, is the blood of those who died, a result of man's selfishness and pride. Pride, prejudice, hate, all the same - wrong is wrong by any name.
World War I soon became, the call to service for the brave. Again we fought freedom's cause, life and law, against tyranny and hate. One war of the world was not enough; World War IIwas soon so rough. Millions answered and millions died, most because of one man's pride. Hitler warred against Jews and Blacks,Aryan pride was his quest, and if that was not enough evil, Japan covertly joined the upheaval. Fiery mushroom clouds from hell; gave the world a story to tell.
Man did not learn and soon began;to squabble,fuss, and fight,again. Korea raised a troubled head and many more soon were dead. Vietnam later began, right or wrong, depends on point of view, then Desert Storm and other fights, now Iraq is our plight. It does not seem that peace will arrive, perhaps it can; if all will strive, for love to find in others eyes. Let us all strive for wars to end - so Paul Revere needn't ride again.
So children remember as you play, your freedom enjoyed on this sunny day, was won by blood and battles fought, that freedom's freedom would not be lost.