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When I was a boy I don’t think I understood the meaning of Memorial Day.

I knew people got together to commemorate...to remember...and to pray.

But I thought of it as an old people’s holiday...I was just happy to be out of school.

Now I look back at that naive little boy and consider him a fool.

In high school and college, since I never had to fight, and it was a different time,

I hated everything about war...it’s reason and it’s rhyme.

I did not heed the lessons of war and the men and women who taught it.

I did not understand one could hate war...but have respect for those who fought it.

But now that time has slowly left it’s signature on me

I’ve come to realize my folly and see Memorial Day differently.

I know I don’t have all the answers...no one is that wise

I know that everyone who ever lived...eventually dies.

I know that most people in the world hate war as much as me

I know that people fight and die in war so we can all be free.

I know that those who die in war might be black or white or gay, 

I know they may be men or women...but they all die anyway.

I know that on Memorial Day we can put those differences aside

As we come together to commemorate all our soldiers who have died.

I know although they’ve blended on the battlefield and suffered the ultimate fate

Many people here at home still discriminate and hate.

I only wish those that hate would somehow change their view

When they wake up tomorrow morning and Memorial Day is through.

I know...I know...the world we live in is a lot more complicated than it seems...

And I am not that naive little boy anymore, but still...a man can dream.

So on this Memorial Day...as I wish all wars would cease

I thank all those who’ve died in war...so that I may die in peace.