This Memorial Day, be inspired by those who served

Tina Haapala |

This Memorial Day, be inspired by those who served

Memorial Day is a special time of year for me. It gives me pause to remember those who have gone before giving their all for a country that was theirs and is mine. Rather than listening to me today, I bring you the words of Milton E. McKinney. Like me, Milton was and enlisted sailor in the Navy. He then served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve for 24 more years, retiring with the rank of Captain. His civilian life was 33 years in law enforcement. He now lives and works in Yellowstone National Park (his bucket list job).

This poem, and others like it, was taken from observations as he rode with the Patriot Guard from its founding until he moved up north. Milton graciously gave permission to reprint it.

They Fold A Flag


I watched hands fold a flag today,

I watched and cried and went away.

I wanted to, but could not stay,

They’ll fold more flags another day.

 

They fold a flag for honor won,

A fallen daughter, a fallen son.

So careful so that when they’re done,

It’s fit to hand to their loved one.

 

A hand is careful, and so slow,

No need to impress, no need for show,

They smooth each crease, then fold and go,

We honor them, so all will know.

 

Thirteen folds so careful and true,

Thirteen folds before they’re through.

Thirteen folds they’re asked to do,

Before they hand that flag to you.

 

You smooth a wrinkle so minute,

Their sacrifice none can refute.

The grief and sadness can’t dilute

The meaning of your sharp salute,

 

You turn and face their loved ones there,

You march to them so you can share,

A sense of just how much we care.

The warriors loss that’s hard to bear.

 

A grateful nation still stands tall,

A grateful nation loves them all.

This flag a symbol of the call,

For freedom lives where brave men fall.

 

I watched hands fold a flag today,

I watched and cried and went away.

I wanted to, but could not stay,

They’ll fold more flags another day.

 

Copyright ©2006 by Milton McKinney

This article was published under the title "Memorial Day has special meaning"

in the Wichita Falls Times Record News on May 24, 2015.