The chaos on the campus at Virginia Tech brings many things to light. We also see that we have many questions to ask, and action should be considered on all fronts before pursuit. Another thing I noticed in regard to this tragedy is that another tragedy is occurring and very few of those in America are paying attention. That would be the losses felt by our armed forces in the battles overseas. Take a look at an article I read and the response I had in that regard. I've had more than one person tell me already that this response was heartfelt and needs to spread in this regard.
Laura
The article was in the paper and online,
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20070423/D8OMCS882.html
I wrote a letter to Vox Populi, which is basically the to the editor
section in my local paper, about it and submitted this poem below as
well.
Here is the letter.
This is a contribution regarding the AP article written by Alisa Tang
regarding the U.S. Soldier's response to flags lowered to half-staff
for Virginia Tech victims, as they should have been, but not for each
and every fallen U.S. soldier. I myself wonder daily why we don't
mourn more openly for the lives of each man and woman lost in this
chaos on the other side of the globe. Friends, family, colleagues,
and so many others fighting a war we ourselves may not manage
fighting, all to maintain freedom and liberty here at home, and yet,
we do not honor them, and we do not honor each of those who has
fought the good fight, come home injured, often permanently. Well, I
have sent a prayer on occasion, in this same form, for those soldiers
fighting for our freedom in many locations. This time, I'd like to
send a salute to them.
My regards and patriotism shown in the smallest of contributions,
Laura A. Neff
Midway, GA
Final Salute
Written By: Laura A. Neff - Copyright 2007
A banner waves as the wind blows,
Halfway up is as far as it goes.
Who it respects somebody knows,
Honor for our fallen heroes.
Heroes live and heroes die,
Proving something most deny.
Heroes who aren't eye to eye,
With the soldiers fighting why.
Soldiers mourn every night,
Far from society's sight.
They are our nation's might,
Yet their losses denied light.
Losses felt without respect,
Soldiers' lives proven neglect.
Thoughts exist in retrospect,
All losses of life should affect.
This day and every one now,
A salute and solemn vow.
No matter where or how,
A promise made to allow.
A salute is something small,
Given to those who fall.
Honor those answering a call,
To arms, to serve, one and all.
Soldiers lost known or not,
During battles raging hot.
To ensure none forgot,
Honor of nations begot.
So for you who serve honorably,
I hope that this you each will see.
From this voice a salute will be,
Shared from sea to shining sea.
http://www.myspace.com/poeticart169
I also put this on my myspace blog, my Yahoo 360 blog and a colleague put it up on his as well.
Laura
The article was in the paper and online,
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20070423/D8OMCS882.html
I wrote a letter to Vox Populi, which is basically the to the editor
section in my local paper, about it and submitted this poem below as
well.
Here is the letter.
This is a contribution regarding the AP article written by Alisa Tang
regarding the U.S. Soldier's response to flags lowered to half-staff
for Virginia Tech victims, as they should have been, but not for each
and every fallen U.S. soldier. I myself wonder daily why we don't
mourn more openly for the lives of each man and woman lost in this
chaos on the other side of the globe. Friends, family, colleagues,
and so many others fighting a war we ourselves may not manage
fighting, all to maintain freedom and liberty here at home, and yet,
we do not honor them, and we do not honor each of those who has
fought the good fight, come home injured, often permanently. Well, I
have sent a prayer on occasion, in this same form, for those soldiers
fighting for our freedom in many locations. This time, I'd like to
send a salute to them.
My regards and patriotism shown in the smallest of contributions,
Laura A. Neff
Midway, GA
Final Salute
Written By: Laura A. Neff - Copyright 2007
A banner waves as the wind blows,
Halfway up is as far as it goes.
Who it respects somebody knows,
Honor for our fallen heroes.
Heroes live and heroes die,
Proving something most deny.
Heroes who aren't eye to eye,
With the soldiers fighting why.
Soldiers mourn every night,
Far from society's sight.
They are our nation's might,
Yet their losses denied light.
Losses felt without respect,
Soldiers' lives proven neglect.
Thoughts exist in retrospect,
All losses of life should affect.
This day and every one now,
A salute and solemn vow.
No matter where or how,
A promise made to allow.
A salute is something small,
Given to those who fall.
Honor those answering a call,
To arms, to serve, one and all.
Soldiers lost known or not,
During battles raging hot.
To ensure none forgot,
Honor of nations begot.
So for you who serve honorably,
I hope that this you each will see.
From this voice a salute will be,
Shared from sea to shining sea.
http://www.myspace.com/poeticart169
I also put this on my myspace blog, my Yahoo 360 blog and a colleague put it up on his as well.