In Memoriam And Respect Poem by Draven Museus

Let's take a moment to remember and respect
Those who died, and those who still protect
A nation they love, and all of its ideals.
This is a poem for the Navy, and not just the Seals.
For they do so much more, in and out of port.
They're engineers and pilots, they recruit and give support.
This is not just for them, but also the Marine
Who has travelled the world, fought and seen
Injustice, hatred, and calamities of war,
Yet still stayed strong and fought with their Corps.
These words are also for the Army, and every soldier within,
Who fought and died, so far from their kin.
Some do find a way to make it home, at last,
Not just now, but in the future and past.
Now off of the land and into the sea,
This is where the Coast Guard protects you and me.
They defend and rescue just beyond our bays,
Enforcing the law and keeping clear our waterways.
Looking up from the water and into the sky,
Where else would you expect the Air Force to go by?
These pilots provide support with their flights,
Be it by planes, helicopters, or satellites.
Now for the National Guard, the reserve,
We can't skip giving them the mention they deserve.
A branch almost as old as our first Revolution,
And also the only one required by our Constitution.

How did we get here on the path that we took?
How many have died? Let's take a look.
Four thousand four hundred thirty-five, dead, in the Revolutionary War.
A conflict of views, our nation divided, we lost six hundred twenty thousand more.
Fast forward to World War One,
One hundred sixteen thousand five hundred sixteen, but we're not done.
World War Two, four hundred five thousand three hundred ninety-nine,
How can we ever say that this world is fine?
Thirty-six thousand five hundred seventy-four
Of our lives lost in the Korean War.
In Vietnam, fifty-eight thousand two hundred twenty.
When will we say that these deaths are plenty?
Three thousand four hundred eighty-seven to Afghanistan,
Never to come home with every other woman and man.
Of those sent to Iraq, four thousand eight hundred ten
Wound up meeting their premature end.

These men and women have the courage to defend.
A soldier is someone's child, someone's friend.
Those who fight may be a father or mother,
And those who died may have been a sister or brother.
Some continue to have their honors shown,
But some may no longer be known.
So to all who defended and died while this nation grew,
I thank and salute you.