AMERICA, REMEMBER ME?

America,
Do you remember me?
My Brothers, Sisters and I
We have been gone now so many long years
Having left when we were so very young

America,
Do you remember who we were?
Your sons and your daughters
Forged in your own image
And our great pride in being so

America,
Do you remember our cause?
So much has changed
Yet so much has stayed the same
I see your young still have wars to be won

America,
Do you remember the promise we kept?
While suffering the adversity
Which we had to face to keep it
Both in war and at home

America,
Do you remember the duty we honored?
To God, Country and Corps
When others ran
And as others protested

America,
Do you remember the sacrifices we made?
The hardships we suffered
The pain of our wounded
The heartbreak of our dead

America,
Do you remember the honor we won?
On the battlefield
In our humanity
And within our Brother's hearts

America,
Do you remember our names?
Your very own children from every State
Once living, loving souls
Etched forever now upon The Wall

America,
Do you remember the treachery?
Served upon us by our own
Cold and unanswered
Thriving even unto this day

America,
If we could arise from the grave,
Could you forget these lies
That were told about us
Vilifying our conduct and morality, our honor?

America,
Would you love us again?
Take us back into your hearts
Honor and cherish us again as your own
Turn your backs on our accusers

America,
If you would do all of this,
Then why now do you honor this man•?
Foremost of all our accusers,
Who has done so much to shame us

America,
If we suddenly appeared in your midst,
Would our honor and legacy be restored?
And unlike our Brothers who came back before us,
Would you welcome us home?

©Copyright October 13, 2004 by Michael E. Tank

•Refers to Senator John Kerry - 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate