Soldier Works

The Wall

There's a wall in our Nation's Capitol
Made of a special black stone
Some 58.000 names are there
There are two I personally know

One name is Laverne Hissong
We grew up a few miles apart
We sang a song in a Christmas Play
"We three Kings" is how it starts

The second name, Ronnie Ireland
Was quite a bit younger than I
I've known his family all my life
Why, I asked, did they die

Each name inscribed was a precious life
With a future of goals and dreams
They gave the ultimate sacrifice
Their lives so short, it seems

For centuries our people have fought and died
From sea to shining sea
Our soldiers have put their lives on the line
For their country, for you, and for me

My grandfather fought in the Civil War
My half-brother in World War Two
My nephew, a Marine in Viet Nam
They were proud of "the Red, White and Blue"

Our nation set aside a "special day"
For our hearts and minds to recall
A Memorial Day in the month of May
For those who gave their all

I wrote this poem for Laverne and Ron
Just a writer at the end of a pen
But, I'll never forget the price they paid
I'm glad to have known them as friends

Written by Pee Wee Denton in memory of Harry Laverne Hissong
And Ronald Ireland who lost their lives in Vietnam