Contributed by: Gregory Lewis on 5/29/2008
Memorial Day is a time of reflection in Niagara County of the enthusiasm and faith felt for the fallen heroes we miss so much. I had the honor of participating as the guest speaker in the Memorial Day ceremonies at the Mt View Cemetery in the Town of Cambria.
I shared my experience as a 1st Air Cavalry squad leader of losing four of my fellow troopers in Vietnam and Cambodia. I described that, upon my return home, I was assigned to the 3rd Army Honor Guard. As an Honor Guard member, I had the sacred duty and responsibility to serve fallen heroes by returning them to their families for their final flag ceremonies and salutes at gravesite.
Trying to express the feelings still felt, I shared with those gathered at the quiet, pastoral cemetery a poem by poet Danny Mahlon Underwood.
Fallen Hero
I stare at the casket draped with the nation's cloth.
I'm momentarily startled as the guns go off.
Another fallen soldier being laid to rest.
I struggle to breathe, for this tightness in my chest.
The bugler so smooth as he hits every note.
It is hard to swallow because of this lump in my throat.
Tears fall like rain as I look to the sky.
No matter how many times I hear it, "Taps" still makes me cry.
The bugle now silent as we pray for the dead.
I gather myself as I bow down my head.
Lord bless the heroes who have given their lives.
Comfort their children, their husbands and wives.
Let us not forget they have given their all.
Let the bugle be silent; let no more soldiers fall.
- Danny Mahlon Underwood
( http://www.dannymahlonunderwood.com/poet/)
Let us never forget in Niagara County those heroes fallen
