Don’t ask of me the words to say
to take away the pain.
Or how to bring back into place-
What that day was blown away.
For no words could I express
but that have all been said before,
And no comfort can I give you
for the loss you have endured.
But I take a moment of this day,
I stand where once I laid,
To salute you men of courage-
Those now fighting in my place.
And for the flag of freedom-
Which high o’er this country flies-
I will defend your honor
In this dark and troubling time.
So don’t forget all that has happened
Those who lived and died that day
But remember what was given
That our children might be free.
Look up now at that skyline
Once a monument so high
And give a solemn prayer
For the darkest memory of our time.
Edward Landers 