Memorial Day

ARLINGTON

FIRST CANTO

I saw his name engraved in granite

In the shadow of the ivy covered oak

a long time tenant in that sacred grove

The wind moves now and then through

barren branches

A bird alights sometimes, as if by chance,

It chirps and then flies on

all else is mute

The marble tomb nearby wear night and day

the sentries, stand with steadfast vigilance

it bears no name.

During the changing of the guards

at preset daylight hours

Upon command the sentries spring to life

and to action

They walk with slow, precisely measured steps

clicking their heels at certain intervals

toeing the line invisible

across expanse of marbled ground

presenting arms and slapping rifle

Flawless in execution and procedures

flawless in bearing and attire

one is the perfect mirror to the other

down to the last detail: just so, no more, no less

Their buckles shine, The honor badge is gleaming

The are the heroes of the Old Guard Regiment

Instant obedience and discipline

thus manifest, are but reflections

on inner core of strength, esprit and gallantry

submerging self for Cause and Greater Good.

(attained by very few)

The changing of the guard has been accomplished

The last command has been obeyed

The guard now on duty now enters his station

Stands at attention over the tomb

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

SECOND CANTO

The people come from far, here to these

hallowed hills to witness and be cast

in ceremony. They stand in silence

and they stare with awe,

They think of their solemn thoughts with

somber eyes,

Transported by the mesmerizing ritual into

the Presence of a Greater Truth and Order

and brushed by the gentle wings of Destiny,

they seem to hear faint echoes stirring

from the vault of sky and time

evoking visions in their souls and puzzling

memories of what? from where?

Thus paying tribute to the One Unknown

(and with him to the many like him

whose burial mounds and crosses are

stretching far below The Tomb)

They sense that he who sacrificed his life

Decades ago nay centuries was

Now exalted.

(and with him the many like him)

exalting Gallantry and Honor, Honor and Valor.

Spectators in this Shifting scene on

Patriotic state, the people leave

Reluctantly, the Nations Shrine still Pondering.

They wander down the soddy path

They speak in muffled tones, shuffling

Their feet before they exit slowly

Through the Outer Arch.

THIRD CANTO

I saw his name engraved in granite

enlaced with ivy from the nearby tree

I plucked a spring of living ivy

And took it home with me

planted in a pot of earth

upon my window sill

the climbing vine has taken root

and it is greening still

Your body may be buried

you may be long since gone

but cherished memories of you

and your name lives on.

I stepped out of my cabin door

and looked up at the sky

I saw a golden eagle soar

I heard the eagle cry

The eagle soared into the sun

and was soon lost from view

The spirit of the unknown one and you.

FOURTH CANTO

Down through the corridor of Time

The eagle sounds its piercing cry

keening over all the fields

where the fallen warriors lie.

Their tattered uniforms and bones

have Mildered in their narrow grave

White crosses bear a name and date

so young and all so brave.

Through countless wars in global spots

they fought in air, on land and sea

They paid the price, they gave their life

so others could be free.

They fought chaotic battles

To victory or defeat

and now they lie in long, long rows

orderly and neat...

A bugle in sunsets glow

is sounding Taps from far away

Soon now the winds of night will blow

And tomorrow is another day.

EPILOGUE

The Stars and Stripes wave on the ridge

High above Arlington Bridge

in between are stretched the grounds

with all of its heroes earthen mounds

From up high the spirits chide

Forever shall our Flag abide

In Freedom Honor – Valor

by Ruth Mariott (1)
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The Sentinel's Last Walk

Millions of visitors to Arlington National Cemetery view the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A ceremony that is seen but by a select few is the Last Walk of a Sentinel. Only fellow Tomb Guards, family, and close friends may attend the last tribute by a sentinel to the Unknowns when the guard has finished his tour of duty at the Tomb. The final ceremony to honor the Unknowns then takes place after the last Changing of the Guard for the day. The guard takes his last walk - has he has hundreds of times before - walks towards and enters the plaza (a), is inspected one last time to ensure the uniform is perfect (b) - perfection is all that can be offered back to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, walks onto the mat in perfectly prepared shoes (c), walks the exact 21 paces in each direction, pauses exactly 21 seconds after each change in direction, and finally passes on his orders to the next guard for the last time (d). After exiting the plaza and returning to the quarters below the plaza, the guard returns with an armful of roses (e) while a bugler stands and watches and waits (f) - roses instead of a rifle, one each for each of the Unknowns (g) - and gently places one at each resting place, followed by a salute. After placing the last rose, there is a final salute while taps is played a last time (h). The sentinel then exits the plaza and walks for the last time back to the quarters below (i), with all attending standing in perfect silence, watching, knowing the guard's service at the Tomb is complete - having done what his country had asked him to do, ended by a final tribute to those who not only gave their lives for their country, but who also gave up their identity.
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(1) Ruth Mariott, author of the poem "Arlington" passed away on July 11, 1997, shortly after learning that her poem had been published in the Congressional Record after it was read by Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. She received a military funeral with the Old Guard rendering honors. Adapted from information given at the Website: http://www.reddok.com/KC130/arlington.htm