21 Gun Salute

21 guns sounded off in goodbye
As you close your eyes
To the reality behind freedom

Do you appreciate what has been done for you?

Soiled combat boots and spilled blood
Still warm
Effigies of your defenders
Being burned at the stake

No one asked these people to lay down their lives
But integrity led them to these places
Where persistent terror would strike

An American flag
Dresses another casket
While you parade around
Clothed by free will

These men were not "fearless"
Per se
But disciplined and brave
In addition, forgotten
Among the people whose freedom they made

So open your eyes and pray for our troops
For the missing and deceased
Active duty and retired too

Because 21 guns sound off in goodbye
For the men and women who surrendered their lives
They did this for you so that you may live free

Is it too much to ask that they stay in memory?