Time To Honor

In the land where courage flowed like rivers,
Amidst the battles fought and scars that shiver,
Stood the warriors of Vietnam's strife,
Their spirits were tested, their souls for life.
Time was served, their duty fulfilled,
In jungles deep, where hope was instilled,
With every step through a treacherous land,
They marched with valor, united they stand.
Through darkened nights and thunderous roars,
They pressed on, as brothers, amidst war's scores,
The echoes of gunfire, the cries of pain,
Yet in their hearts, the flame remained.
Now is the time, to honor their plight,
To embrace their stories, bathed in the light,
For their sacrifice and unwavering will,
Deserves our gratitude, forever still.
Let us remember their unwavering might,
In fields of battle, where darkness took flight,
For in their hearts, the flame did burn,
With bravery and honor, they did yearn.
They returned home, some broken and scarred,
But their spirit endured, never to discard,
Their sacrifice echoes through the years,
A testament to strength, amidst the tears.
So let the banners rise, with pride unfurled,
In reverence for the heroes of the world,
Vietnam veterans, their time has come,
To be acknowledged, their valor won.
For in their eyes, we see the truth,
The cost of freedom, the eternal youth,
In every heartbeat, their memories thrive,
A debt we owe, as long as we're alive.
Time was served, Vietnam veterans,
Now is the time, to honor again,
With gratitude and respect, we pay,
To those who fought, on that fateful day.

June 14, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop 

We the People

We, the People, assemble at Christmas. 
Setting our differences aside.
We calm our spirits from the bustling world, removing our haughty Pride.

Peace arriving at this mystical time of year 
brings much Love and Joy with great cheer.

Taking a moment to bow our heads, asking for Peace on Earth and Good Will toward men.
Knowing beyond all Hope, this Love will be fulfilled over and over again.

December 12, 2022
Mark Waldrop

The clouds of Vietnam

The dark clouds of Vietnam loom over our bowed heads today. 
Those who served and died so that we might have freedom, I pray. 

Those that lay down their life for another, their sacrifice we can not understand. 
No man can have greater love than to lay down his life for his fellow man.

Many were criticized for serving their country and doing what they were told. 
Death crosses party lines, caring not about the politics of old. 

November 10, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Changing of the Guard 

Changing the guard is the most difficult thing to do. 
The sadness of this time is beyond belief to go through. 

When the Matriarch in a family dies
It leaves a great vacuum to be filled. 
When it involves a country there is much love and gratitude to rebuild.

Queen Elizabeth was not only Mum to her children
She was Mum to the many Brits that loved her by the millions 

The future that lies ahead will never be the same. 
In the loving past, we will always remember her name. 

September 10, 2022
Mark waldrop

Penned for My Daughter in law
Amanda Troutner Waldrop and her Mother
Judy Palmer Moran

The Soul of the Nation

Is our nation alive does it have a Soul within
If we should look, where would we begin

The Nation is composed of many different people, all containing their own 
individual soul
The collective soles of all these people would represent, the soul of the Nation as a whole

As the souls of the mass of the people go
The true soul of the Nation will show

To restore The Soul of This Nation
Changing my Soul will be a direct indication

September 5, 2022

Mark Waldrop

Swamp Fox 

Francis ”Swamp Fox” Marion
Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion was a ghostly man, 
Confusing  the enemy in many  a nightly stand

Where does this crafty fox go to hide
I’m told his ancestors heard his cry

He was as allusive as the South Carolina Wind
Confusing the enemy to their very witts end

A man of small stature, smarter than a fox
Seemingly to disappear among the mossy rocks

Many a bloody raid he encounters, Killing the enemy
Leaving GOD’S creation unharmed as his legacy

He played a Great Part in Winning the Revolutionary War
He lifted the morale of the Militia to a Great Roar

Many Military Degrees could not win this war
A Sly Swamp Fox from Berkeley County settled the Score

August 31, 2022

Penned from the inspiration of
 Bruce Wahlin K0GE
Woodbury, Minnesota 

Francis Marion, also known as the Swamp Fox, was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Wikipedia
Born: 1732, Berkeley County, SC
Died: February 27, 1795, Orangeburg County, SC
Place of burial: Belle Isle Plantation Cemetery, Pineville, SC
Nationality: American
Parents: Gabriel Marion, Esther Marion
Siblings: Gabriel Marion Jr., Esther Marion, Job Marion, Isaac Marion
Spouse: Mary Esther Videau (m. ?–1795)

Mr  President 

I have not felt the Load The President Bears
 Hours of Anguish THAT brings many tears

Wishing the right decision to be made
For Many hours we do Pray

The Burden is to heavy and difficult to bear
Without the Hand of GOD lifting our care

I pray the right decision will be made
Having Faith in God that We’ll never be Afraid

May 22, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Freedom Of Speech 

What is Freedom Of Speech
What does it mean to me

It’s Every Man’s right
To express his Inner Being
And Remain Free

With this GOD Given Freedom
Comes Great Responsibility 

The Two Great Forces of Love and Evil
Cry Out for this Freedom of Speech

The Darts from the Mouth
To the Heart that they may Reach

Spreading the Love Of The Gospel with this Freedom 
Will Set You Free

Spreading Evil and Hate  with this Freedom
Will Bind You and Send You to Hell
You See

GOD Gives us this Freedom of Which Road to Take
For it is only from Our Inner Heart
The True Choices We Make

So What is Freedom of Speech to Me
Being Mindful of what I Say
It May Determine My Eternity 

THE FLAG 

The FLAG is not a piece of fabric
To be tossed around like fodder 
It’s a proud badge of courage to be carried with great honor

Its proud colors stand for all to see
Red is for valor those who died for you and me

White is for purity and innocence 
like in our children we see

Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice persevered  for you and me

So when you salute the flag
Stand very proud and say

I know what you stand for
And I am very proud of you today