I Regret to Inform You

I regret to inform you of the loss of your son,

He is on his way home, his job is done.

Know in your heart he died being brave;

He chose death over life so his friends he could save.

He was proud to be an infantryman, standing tall,

He was a true hero; he answered the call.

I try to understand why young men die;

In sending them to their death, I’ve no time to cry.

Your son truly loved life and thus he died;

Remember he gave his life; remember with pride.

I must finish your letter for I have others to pen;

For soon I’ll lead them in combat boys not yet men.

For whatever reasons our sons must die,

Let it be for truth and not a lie.

I regret to inform you that your son is coming home;

His name is etched forever in the Ebony Stone.

Michael D. Monfrooe

1995

“Written about Nam but fits more today.”

2004