Poet's Platform Column | 8 Nov 07 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

Lone Bugler He arrived in Portsmouth, Ohio on Front Street, He parked by the Murals, soon people would weep. He got out in his Marine Dress Blues. Where is he from?  What is he going to do? He marched, stopped by the Freedom Mural and turned. All that watch have something to learn, To support our troops, may we never swerve. We owe a debt we cannot repay to all that serve. He came to attention, saluted, and returned to his car, He picked up his bugle that could be heard so far. He returned to the Mural as others have done, But he started playing Taps in the burning sun. People came to attention that walked on the street, People in automobiles got out and many began to weep. My friend Linda walked up, thanked him, blessed him, thankful he came. His auto tag said Florida but he never gave a name. He got in his auto, nodded and slowly drove away, What was his secret? We cannot really say. Walter C. Stout, Sr. McDermott   FLAGS AND STARS Over the valley we hear the Taps sound, Of the sacred burial, held on the ground, His life was taken in the foreign hills, Given for others on the battlefield. Wars were fought throughout many years, A time of victory calming our fears, Trusting in Jesus as a chosen friend, Walking down life’s pathway in the end. Flags and Stars were gleaming in the air, Blowing in the wind with the parade attire, Soldiers were willing to pay the great price, Some must suffer; others had given their lives. Footprints had been left in the desert sand, While soldiers fought throughout the land, The color of flags and bright shining stars, It was a time of victory in the Nation’s war. Nancy Mineer South Shore, Ky   VETERANS DAY Veterans march in perfect rhythm, in the Veterans day parade, To honor the nation’s heroes, That make our country so great. A salute to Old Glory, our flag, Blowing and swaying in the wind, The stars and stripes forever, Brings hope to all within. Veterans proud to serve their country, In foreign or distant lands, Soldiers dressed in battle garments, On the sea, or the desert sand. Standing together for a purpose, Ready to give their all, For God and for their country, Side by side and standing tall. Nancy Mineer South Shore, Ky