Reviews from

Honoring our missing warriors 5-7-5

Old Guard Soldier Guards the Tomb

28 total reviews 
Comment from Commando
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Awesome 5-7-5 Spiritual Poetry presentation! A "SALUTE" to the Author for the in-depth notes. Having served 30 years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force, the message here is crystal clear--You betcha! "Keep on a 'marching, Tomb Guard, 'cause you got miles to go before you sleep." Thank you for sharing, my friend, and God Bless, America!

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2018
    God Bless your service to our great country. I salute you Sir!

    I have witnessed the changing of the guard twice - the first on a 8th grade class trip and the second time as a parent, which was 21 guns more meaningful. My YouTube visits are periodic but equally inspiring.

    Mark
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Thank you for your tribute to these noble soldiers who guard the Tomb and give reverent honor to the fallen soldiers who did not make it back. I understand it's a very rigorous test that these guards must pass before being selected for this position.

 Comment Written 05-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 05-Dec-2018
    You are correct. Google their lifetime commitment - extraordinary men and women do this noble duty.
Comment from Sugarray77
Excellent
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Mark, what a wonderful memorial poem for the Tomb of the unknown Soldier guards. I have visited and it is eerily haunting when you hear Taps. It reminds me of what Hilary Clinton said upon hearing Taps.... it is not all about us is it?...

Great write.

Melissa

 Comment Written 05-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 05-Dec-2018
    Melissa,

    I saw the first time as a 14 year old on an 8th grade class graduation trip. It was indeed more memorable and meaningful when I visited with my children! I often watch clips of the same on YouTube - always inspiring.

    Mark
Comment from Earl Corp
Excellent
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What is the significance of the 21 steps? As a veteran I appreciate you paying homage to the fallen, but why did you title your poem Honoring Our Missing Warriors and not mention them? This is a subject that deserves a lot longer poem than 5-7-5.

 Comment Written 05-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 05-Dec-2018
    Earl,

    Thanks for your rating and comments.

    You can read more about this significance on the Internet. Basically, the soldier walks 21 steps each way, pauses for 21 seconds, etc. All tied into the naval history's 21 guns salute. The soldiers (seven) shoot their rifles in three volleys.

    I have seen this changing of the guard at least two times, but I do watch clips on the internet more often - it is always an inspiring tribute to our fallen heroes.

    I am happy with just 17 syllables. I have yet to expand to anything longer. Maybe you will create a longer verse for FanStory visitors.

    Mark
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2018
    Earl,

    You may indeed interpret 'missing' as 'unidentified.' All our veterans are our warriors - whether in combat or not. Those soldiers that are among these unknowns are surely missed by their families and friends. Some too gave their ultimate sacrifice to our USA.

    THANK YOU for your veteran service/status. I appreciate the same.

    Mark
Comment from fm wright
Excellent
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I like very much the topic of this poem and that we should remember the soldiers that have fought and died for this country throughout its existence. You have said so much with so few words. It flows well. The syllable count is perfect. I've found no errors in it.

 Comment Written 05-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 05-Dec-2018
    Thanks for your generous rating and commentary. This is one case where the image inspired my 5-7-5 verse. I have witnessed in person the changing of the guard. As a 14 year older, on a 8th grade graduation class trip, I was impressed. But as a father, I understood it's significance with my children by my side.

    I still watch video clips - it is an inspiring reminder of the sacrifice of our soldiers.

    Mark
reply by fm wright on 05-Dec-2018
    You are so welcome!
Comment from Janice Canerdy
Excellent
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This well-written, thoughtful piece describes the beauty--and precision--
of this military show of respect for those who gave all and are--will probably
always be--unnamed.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 01-Dec-2018
    Thanks Janice for your comments and generous rating.

    Interesting that one of the unknowns was recently identified with DNA testing. That crypt is empty now, but has an inscription on it. Do google the story to get the details of the other 'unnamed'.

    Mark
Comment from Michele Harber
Excellent
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This is a kind and respectful poem honoring those who protect the sanctity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and those it represents - and doing so in the required 5-7-5 syllable count. I appreciate the additional explanatory information at the end. Showing the image of the soldier performing his duties in the snow, no sign of discomfort on his face, just heightens the idea of how seriously they take this job and, obviously, what an honor it is to hold it.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2018


reply by the author on 01-Dec-2018
    As always multi-THANKS Michele!

    BTW ... women are now part of this honor guard. Why should men walk alone ... LOL
reply by Michele Harber on 01-Dec-2018
    More power to them. I couldn't stand that straight and tall unless rigor mortis had set in.
Comment from red6560
Excellent
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I enjoyed you 5-7-5 poem. I also liked that you expained the significance of the number 21. My husband and son were both marines . My brother was a sailor. So I've seen the sacrifices made. Best wishes.

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2018


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2018
    Red,

    Thanks for supporting the feeling I tried to show about this sacred place. I thank your family for their service to our country. We appreciate their service and the valor of those who can?t read your comments and my verse.

    Mark
Comment from Carolyn Reaves
Excellent
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A great reminder of the sacred and solemn job that the guard must perform. I enjoyed the illustration you provided with the poem. It brings a tear to my eye to think about the soldiers that now rest in the cemetery. Keep writing. Just a few words can inspire many people.

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2018


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2018
    Carolyn,

    THANK YOU for your generous commentary and rating. You can reinforce the feeling you expressed to me by watching a clip of the ?Changing of the Guard? on the internet.
Comment from Nanny 6
Excellent
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I learned something from reading your poem... I was unaware of the 21 steps... And the last line brings a powerful punch to your short piece of work, I enjoyed the read very much, and Your added commentary,
Judy

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2018


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2018
    THANK YOU Nanny! Just today I added the note about the 21 seconds wait, which I was unaware of. It might be fun to watch the Guard changing on YouTube. It is dramatic and awesome.

    Mark