Ronald Nelson:  

I'm a retired US Army Colonel... I have two daughters and a wife of 46yrs. I have seen the world and all it holds... the promise of hope in America and the misery of war: Often, I sit in silence, as my mind drifts to days long lost ... to, nights where horrors many did brightly light the skies... where men's cries, shall never end. There, I ponder the weight of it all... What sorrow did gain and what tears many feed? 'Tis but the mournful memories of patriots long dead... Whose, hearts doth shout... give me liberty or give me death... that resounds in my soul. Did freedom so loosely lay itself in deaths way... That men presently, would trample upon their grave... Upon, the memory of those... whose lives did bleed... That they may live. Where comes this arrogant nature in men... To, take lightly the pain of others, who suffered in death? Where is their true memorial? Does it lie... in the mouth of those, who so glibly label their pain of death... tyranny. By what horrible exercise... of imperial power... did they die? And too what land do they now lay claim? For in their pain, they suffered for nothing more... than, man should live free... Free from the tyrants rage, and the ignorance of lesser men. Where then comes this cry... from the high places in our land... To, slander the brave and heroic... Our forefathers, and their progeny... Whose house they built, that we may live in freedom... How do these men speak and live... What manner of people, hold them in high esteem... These who rob the graves... of the righteous; who steal the sacrifice of liberties... guarantors. Whose, unthankful and derelict nature, doth tare at the wounds of those who feed the Tree of liberty... that they may be free. RA Nelson Col. USArmy (Ret) I miss my high school friends and comrades at arms... so long removed. I often think of those happy days: Long summers and cool autumn nights... Trips to the beech and majestic ski slopes, the glory of the Sierra's, chess club, and the challenge of track and cross country... I miss them all and wish...Expand for more