I ask you to stand with me
For both the injured and the lost;
I ask you to keep count with me
Of all the wars and what they cost;
I ask you to be silent with me
Quietly grateful for our lot;
As I expect you're as thankful as me
For the health and life we've got;
I ask that you wish them well with me
All those still risking their all;
And I ask that you remember with me
The names of those that fall;
I expect that you are proud like me
Of this great nation of ours too;
So enjoying all its freedoms like me
Support those upholding them for you;
I hope that you are hopeful like me
That we'll soon bring an end to wars;
So you'll have to stand no more with me
And mourning families no different from yours;
'Til then be thankful you can stand with me
Thinking of those who now cannot;
For standing here today with me
At least we show they're not forgot.

John Bailey © Copyright May 2011