Poems. Lest we Forget. A Memorial Day Poem. May 25, 2026

On this Memorial Day, as grills send smoke billowing toward the sky,
And tasty barbecue and other taste treats are shared with friends passing by,
Remember those whose courage bought freedoms we should hold dear,
Those brave souls who paid in blood and sweat so we could enjoy life here.

As we bask in sunlight on peaceful shores, iced cherries cooling the day,
And sparkling champagne is gently raised, and worldly cares seemingly drift away.
As we fill our shopping bags with things we truly do not need,
In an insatiable desire for more, more, more, our senses to quickly feed,
Lest we forget, our every comfort rests on sacrifices painful and profound,
On those who fought through darkest hours, holding tightly to hallowed ground.

Never forget the price once paid by our soldiers, fierce and brave,
By those who fell, by those who fought on, our precious freedoms for us to save.
For all who died, for all who stood their ground, our grateful hearts should say,
Thank you, thank you, thank you, on this, your remembrance day.
May Father God smile down on those who gave so much, whose valor still lights our way,
May Father God continue to bless America on this grand and glorious Memorial Day.

(A poem penned by Anthony Wayne Kalberg.)