My maternal Grandfather: Clyde W. Kirkman (1915 - 1989). This photo is from WWII, 1945; my Grandfather is on the left and his buddy Joe Melka is on the right. The photo was made in April 1945, in Germany, with a simple box camera just before the meeting or link up at the Elbe River between the U.S. and Russian troops.
My son Walker placing a flag on my Grandfather's grave on Memorial Day 2007
John McCain in Hanoi, North Vietnam: prisoner of war.
This Veterans Day sees the country still at war. A huge Double Barreled Salute to all those men and women who are serving and have served in our armed forces. It's because of them that I have the right to write this blog and live in this great country.
As I've probably hinted elsewhere on this blog, I'm also a songwriter and musician. Below are the lyrics to a song I wrote in 2003 called "Forgotten Heroes".
This song is for all the men and women who have served and are serving in our military. You can pick up books and magazines and read about some of the heroes of our country, however, this song is also for the heroes whose story was never told. From the fox holes and trenches of WWII to the jungles and POWs camps of Vietnam, to the current war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
Forgotten Heroes
Some just refuse to understand
That it's the measure of a man
To defend this country's land
Even when it's down to his last stand
He doesn't do it for himself
We've been knocked down before
Watched our blood spill on the floor
But then it was for a cause
Some say balanced what was lost
But now we question what's left
[Chorus]
But you know that time erases
So many of the delicate traces
Of the battles we've waged
Of the prices we've paid
For the right to a life of freedom
Where few are born in a land that's free
We are fortunate to be
If you think it's a gift that's free
Someone will take it from you and me
And crush the dreams we once sought
Our grandparent's blood paved the way
For what America is today
I look around and see the waste
I'm ashamed for all they gave
So many have forgot
[Chorus]
But you know that time erases
So many of the delicate traces
Of the battles we've waged
Of the prices we've paid
For the right to a life of freedom
[bridge]
You can read their names on the wall
Engraved in stone they gave their all
Lying in graves row after row
They held the line for the freedom we know
And take for granted
[Final Chorus]
But you know that time erases
The names of heroes and their faces
Don't forget what they gave
Their sacrifices made
For the right to a life of freedom
For freedom
Words and Music by Fred W. Black, 2003
Copyright 2003, by Fred W. Black all rights reserved. Use or reproduction without permission is prohibited.
You can listen to this song on my music site here:
Forgotten Heroes - Fred Black.
Until next time,
Fred (aka Recoil)
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Posted by Fred (aka Recoil) on November 11, 2008
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