"Ode to the Fallen Soldiers of Iraq"

To all you brave soldiers who have fallen in Iraq,
Who left the comforting embrace of
Family, friends, and home
To fight and protect the freedom of others
In a faraway dry, dusty and desolate land,
We Americans honor and salute you.

Like dry leaves we must crumble and toss
Our differences aside.
Where you are
Hawk or Dove,
Democrat or Republican,
Liberal or Conservative,
We must first be Americans
Who honor the fallen heroes that fought for us.

For you bravely laid down your lives,
Spilling your blood and dreams
In a foreign land,
For a foreign people
For an American Cause,
Know that you will be greatly missed,
Know that you will always be remembered
For your sacrifice,
For your courage and convictions.

Your bright and promising light
Extinguished too soon,
We celebrate and honor your memory
You fallen soldiers of Iraq.

by Liam Swan
Oliver Pierce Middle School
Ramona, CA

[Passed on by Robert with the Hawaii "Gathering of Eagles."]