Honor. Celebrate. Remember. #MemorialDay
The following poem was written by Irish poet, W. B. Yeats. I randomly selected this poem as the topic of a lengthy English study and it has always given me a reason to pause and contemplate the dedication of our nation's military personnel.
The picture contains a select number of mementos from my ancestors that served in the armed forces. Having these on hand and prominently displayed serves as constant reminder of their bravery.
Wishing you and yours a safe Memorial Day 2017.
An Irish Airman Foresees His Death
I KNOW that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Those that I fight I do not hate
Those that I guard I do not love;
My country is Kiltartan Cross,
My countrymen Kiltartan’s poor,
No likely end could bring them loss
Or leave them happier than before.
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public man, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds;
I balanced all, brought all to mind,
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.