"A Memorial Day Sonnet" by Rev. Joseph C. Booth (1929)

A Memorial Day Sonnet.

(REV.) JOSEPH C. BOOTH.

Our Nation's heart is filled with tenderness

        As we approach our great Memorial Day

        That adds such luster to the month of may.

Though fruits of war are bitter in excess

And leave behind a trail of sad distress

        For generations, how much worse were they,

        Who, for our Union, held the foe at bay

And gave their lives rebellion to suppress!

In recognition of that awful price

        The Veterans, for our Nation's welfare paid,

And grateful for their "supreme sacrifice,"

        Memorial Day, for them, shall never fade;

Them, while "Old Glory" now above them waves,

Bring forth the choicest flowers and deck their graves!

        Melrose, N.Y.

Troy Times. May 29, 1929: 6 col 3.