Legionnaire pens 9-11 commemorative poem

Editor:

The members of Evans, Georgia, American Legion Post 192,

Have always had a very strong patriotic point of view.

But on September 11th we sat together in horror and disbelief;

Newscasters reported and we witnessed the familys painful grief.

Our nation, the land of the free, had bee sorely attacked.

We knew we must put our anger aside so we could positively react.

It was difficult; every minute there was news of more devastation.

Unanimously we decided to raise funds without hesitation.

The Auxiliary went to work making ribbons of red, white and blue;

Our colors were scarce to find, but we would simply make do.

The Legionnaires and Sons of the Legion were with us all the way;

We sat at Kroger, Monterrey, Golden Corral and Wal Mart for donations.

People responded generously with deeply heartfelt affirmation.

The Legionnaires had patriotic items made to help the cause,

All the profits going to the families and we desired no applause.

Together we raised five thousand dollars and we felt inner pride,

Knowing that the same type of projects were going on nationwide.

On the 15th of September we held a moving POW/MIA ceremony,

An annual tribute that is a very devout and sincere sanctimony.

Around our Post flag the Evans High JROTC drill team performed,

It was so impressive to see our young so impeccably uniformed.

The National Anthem played, hearing Oh, say can you see,

Our patriotic emotions and values were raised to the highest degree.

All that were present felt it was a spectacular way to conclude,

We are proud to be Americans, and displayed our gratitude.

We knew our American troops would soon have to deploy,

So we began collecting useful items we felt theyd enjoy.

Being in the middle of nowhere without the necessities of life,

Perhaps it would relieve some of their stress and ease their strife.

May 26th the patriotic celebration of Memorial Day took place,

The roll call of those who died that day never can we erase.

Recalling the many decorations they earned, yet never did brag,

Our Post held a ceremony for the proper way to retire the flag.

At dusk we watched as the flags were so reverently set afire,

Our flag served us well; even Old Glory has a time to retire.

Pamela Mohn-Bailey, Chaplain

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 192 Evans