I knelt at the wall,
I caressed its face -
A tear my cheek did moisten.
I saw the names,
Oh Lord, so many;
My memories did hasten.
Some I knew.
A young man then,
They as young as well -
But I have aged,
And tho have I,
They are young men still;
They will be young forever:
Trapped in the warp
Of time stood still,
The time of their great endeavor.
'Neath their nation?s glorious flag
Were they carried lifeless home-
To grace her fields for all of time
'Neath heroes simple stones.
Nor sons nor daughters,
Would they love and guide
Nor silver-crowned queen
Would cherish -
But it was for each
And for all of these
That those young men
Did perish.
None, to death did read'ly go
For much of life yet lay ahead -
And men with youths' exub'rant glow
Do not easily join the dead.
And, many long miles
Away from home -
Sweethearts, fam'ly,
Perhaps a wife -
Each of those
And all as well:
Those were they
That gave them life.
And it was for each
And for all of those,
That those young men
Did give their life
As I walk upon
This hallowed ground,
This land that I call home -
I think of all who went through hell,
Who bought this land:
With crimson pools,
And shattered bones.
As I gaze upon that glorious flag,
'Tis their mem'ries and deeds,
I cherish -
For it was for me
And it was for thee,
That those young men
Did perish.