The following sonnet is based on a true story related to me by a family member who is a special forces member. I am reprinting it here as a reminder of the sacrifice our men and women in uniform endure to pay for the freedom we enjoy. Please remember our fallen and their families this Memorial Day--and every day.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzDvq83kGc
DEATH OF A QUIET SOLDIER93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRFdwiIZfA
Behind enemy lines you gave your life,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGb9PQExHd
The risks you knew and embraced willingly,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFCteE6cqr
Red, black and green berets fought by your side,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjnQjE0sCH
And brought your body back to family.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W1tTXTWjf
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr149wygzGI
Later in a ritual of their own,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bg4c2t2qa
They would name a field airport in your name,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEEt7qZP5U
And honor you, your brothers, far from home,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH7zk4mOlu
Their memory now your eternal flame.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nbVUoMZls
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVN0vvbWx1
I do not know your rank, your name, your face,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmCUTzF6CZ
I only know that I am in your debt,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4mKCif3pf
Who for your family can take your place?93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmaskgYNyS
Our debt to them we must never forget.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24YGz2VyJM
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUzL6tZtVb
The freedom I enjoy comes thanks to you,93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjf6AzcN4z
And all who serve with honor, proud and true.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HYxx6kpJg
