Days End

As I heard the command “Present Arms”
I watched the old Veterans
Salute one of their own one last time
As he was carried by.

As the preacher finished and stepped back
Two more Veterans stepped forward.
With grace and reverence, 
Thirteen times did they fold the Flag.

In the background once again came the commands,
”Present Arms, Ready, Aim, Fire”.
Three volleys, twenty-one shots rang out,
Then came TAPS.

Upon the first note,
My heart swelled,
A deep breath I had to take. 
“Day is done, gone the sun,”

But the sun has only set for you here on Earth.
Where you walk now, there is no night,
There is no pain,
There is no sorrow.

The roads you once trod can’t compare
To the streets of gold
You walk upon this day.

Indeed
”Thanks and praise, For our days,
’Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
’Neath the sky,
‘As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.”

Charles W. Lee
March 25, 2005 

My Dear friend Leigh, may you find strength in knowing we (your friends) are thinking about you at this time.