New poems for Memorial Day

Dear Readers: When we asked you to try your hand at a genderinclusive piece for Independence Day, we also received several poems that seemed more appropriate for Memorial Day. Therefore, we have decided to print two of them on this occasion. We think they both express moving sentiments.

Gold Star Mother by Gene Nelson, Manitowoc, Wisc.

The sounds of battle long have ceased, Peace conquered war and death. Yet memories whisper from those years, With cruel, untiring breath. Yes, peace has come, the peace so dear, For which men fought and died. But there are some who’ll never have, Peace way down deep inside. And so we humbly bow our heads, Some things can’t be undone. Our prayers may help to ease the pain, For those who lost a son. We won’t forget your sacrifice, We’ll heed, some way or other. That dying soldier’s last request: “Take good care of my mother.”

After Visiting The Vietnam War Memorial By Mary Whiteman Abel of Guilford, Conn.

Malcolm, John, Stephen, Bruce — etched in stone

Thoughts of tears, blood, screams, death — letters home... James, Arthur, Michael, Tim — Let me be brave as my hand tries to touch

each name engraved on the black stone —

And then my eyes fill with tears... Samuel, Paul, Donald, Seth — There is warmth beneath my hand...

Stirring the memories of other wars — Invasion of Normandy Pork Chop Hill Desert Storm A letter to a sailor Every war, conflict or effort that our young men and women were sent to... I can feel the rough lettering as my hand glides across the warm marble... David, Joseph, Richard, Ben... I was there with each of these people.

They are chiseled in my heart and soul for eternity.

They have made their sacrifice to mankind.

Peter, Mark, Brian, Tom... Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.