Poet's Platform Column | 3 July 08 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

Thoughts on 4th of July As we sit and watch the fireworks, Many take our way of life for granted. They don’t know what our freedom has cost. Freedom isn’t free, it must be paid for. Someone had to pay the cost along the way. It has been paid by the sacrifices of others. Those, whom many have forgotten, are the true heroes. Whether by life or limb, they have given what was needed. Modern day heroes continue to pay the price. Either here or overseas, they are stepping up. To take their turn and doing what is asked of them. To pay their part to keep us free. Though we don’t understand the cost now. in the end, the reason will be clear. As we look at those around watching the fireworks, We realize the younger generation is a good reason. Chuck Kurtz Portsmouth   God Is In control Although this world is so violent We know that God is in control Wars and rumors of war prevail But Heaven should be our goal When the thunder of heavy guns Roar through those desert sands Some will leave this world behind To be joined by those angel bands Some are given a reprieve by God To come back to those they love Tears will trickle down their faces When they think of a buddy above Wars make older men out of boys Some will return broken and bent Those that walked along with God Eternal life in Heaven will be spent Acie Workman Eden Park   FREEDOM Our sons and daughters fought for freedom, In the cold distant foreign lands, Wars of sacrifice of life and their safety, On the seas, in the skies and the desert sands. Wars and conflicts in our battlefields, It seems so hopeless and so long, We give honor to our service men and women, And raise our flag, and sing our freedom songs. Let the colors of Stars and Stripes forever shine, As our flag sways in the silent breeze, And may we never forget our fallen hero’s, The price of living in America, the land of the free. Let our Nation raise the flag with pride, And keep God as our hope and peace, For He who controls this wonderful universe, Watches over us all and keeps us safe and free. Nancy Mineer South Shore, KY