submitted by Jr. Past Commandant Mike haas
The Flag By Alexander R. Stewart
They said “It’s only a flag,” as they gathered around,
The Red, White, and Blue as it burned on the ground.
It's not just a flag, it represents more,
Our history, traditions, and all Soldiers before.
It's the flag that we bare on our shoulders to war,
As we fight for our country, our freedom, and more.
It's the flag that flies high with us into the flight,
As we give our lives. To protect your rights.
It's the flag that we use to cover our dead,
When we bring them back home to the states once again.
It's the flag lifted from my friend’s coffin with pride,
The flag we gave his wife as she cried.
It's the flag that we proudly salute as we stand,
As we think if the Soldiers who died for these lands.
It's a symbol of hope and freedoms we have,
So don’t you dare tell me “ It’s only a flag.”
Flying Over Iwo Jima By Mike Haas
Our history is emblazoned,
With the raising of Old Glory.
High above the Battlefield raging,
Unfurled for history and story.
The most iconic moment in time,
Overshadowing the loses below.
Perseverance and follow through did shine,
As the dust settled with righteous glow.
Our Country embraced the efforts,
As our Corps created an icon.
For eighty years this symbol networks,
Our resilience, perseverance and ability to be relied on.
The Half-Century Mark By Mike Haas
Its’ taken fifty years for the nation,
To recognize what was done.
With the pain and loss of a generation,
“Why” still haunts us from the publics end-run.
Sent into battle at eighteen heralded by honor,
Only to return with their heads hung low.
No one cared of the sacrifice or wrongful dishonor,
With protests and slander accompanying the flow.
Fifty years ago it ended but the pain never ceased,
With friends and loved ones permanently scarred.
The flag draped coffins disembarked without press release,
Quietly released back to their beginnings forever marred.
Today we salute you though long overdue,
For the terror and loss of friends and youth.
For fifty years Viet Nam Veterans were eschew,
Until now when they are honored for their couth.
All these Veterans deserve our thanks,
They followed the call of America with pride.
They have suffered for years lacking protection of their flanks,
Now is the time to honor their sacrifices previously denied.
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