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Copyright 8/6/00



Standing here in the presence of the names

of those who paid the ultimate price,

Who gave their lives for others like Jesus Christ.

My heart grieves at their loss,

But this is what war costs.



This great wall gives only our side of the tally sheet.

There are many families on the other side

who have loved ones they will never see.

The ideals they died for racked two nations.

One side was for democracy, the other for self-determination.



Who was right, only history will tell.

So far it has been a secret, guarded well.

We have to ask, "Were we wrong, or right?"

Is there an answer black and white,

Or is it gray?

Who is to say?



Having lived through that war and its tragedy,

It has had a profound effect on me.

It has been rare, I have shed a tear,

But I cannot help being moved so here.



Seeing others do the same

I know their loss was not in vain.

They gave what they had, it was their all.

Here their names will be for eternity on this hallowed wall.