Oldest Military Blogger Memorial Poem

I would be neglectful after finding this poem
to not pass it on to my blog and its' readers.
It was attributed to Major Michael Davis
O'Donnell.A Medal of Honor Recipient in the
Vietnam War.
It is a very moving statement and though
I know this poem is well circulated,
my feelings are such that this kind of
expression cannot be reissued too often.
Thank You For Your Service on this Memorial
Day and every day in perpetuity.


If you are able,save them a place
inside of you and save
one backward glance when
you are leaving for
the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may,
or may not have, always.

Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time,
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment,
to embrace those gentle heroes
you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
January 1, 1970
Dak To, Vietnam