Memorial Day By Joyce Kilmer
Memorial DayThe bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings today.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.
The rose blossoms white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.
Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.
May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.
In shining rank on rank arrayed,
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace. . .
who brought a sword
Joyce Kilmer was an American journalist and poet best remembered for his iconic poem "Trees." He is also the author of a lesser-known, reverent poem titled simply "Memorial Day," which honors fallen soldiers through deep spiritual and patriotic imagery.
Kilmer was not only a celebrated writer but also a brave soldier. Serving in World War I with the U.S. 69th Infantry Regiment (the famous "Fighting 69th"), he was tragically killed in action in France in 1918 at the age of 31.
Poetry by Clara Mae Gregory
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Written on 2026-05-25 at 11:08
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