Retiring the Colors

In silence and dignity
at 17:00 hours
while the sun
sets in the west
they lower the flag
marking the entrance
to the Veterans Cemetery
in Virginia.

Again in Missouri
then Nebraska
throughout the broad expanse
of these States
whose stars mark the
meaning of the moment.

Below the earth for
which they gave their lives
they lie
from whose blood
springs forth
our steps
to American Freedom.

At the Tomb of One
Unknown – except for his sacrifice -
Sentinels move in steady rhythmic pace
and every thirty minutes
salute these fallen nameless comrades
another silent,
and in the darkness of the night,
unseen tribute
to those who today,
we honor as having
come home.

Ray Brown