Know this – I died for you

(An offering for Remembrance Day)

Whether I rest ‘neath the poppies of Flanders Fields,

Or in an Unknown Soldier’s grave;

If my bones are dust under Marathon’s plain

Or I lie below Acteon’s waves

            Know this – I died for you

If I fought with shield and blooded spear

Or with the cannon’s mighty roar

If stalked through burning jungles growth

Or on jet-wings fiercely soared

            Know this – I fought for you

Whether it was freedom we were fighting for

Or land or goods or love

My opponents were as flesh as I

Made of bone and breath and Blood

            Know this – I took life for you

When war is fought and blood is shed

It is no ones victory

But we must protect all that we love

Safeguard home and family

            And I would die again for you

You need not know why I fought

Or where from which I came

You needn’t know how I died  

Or even know my name

            But remember what I gave for you

I traded in my dreams for death

Left behind husband, child, wife

In order to uphold your chance

To live a free and peaceful life
            Be worthy of what I gave for you

It is up to you now to hold the watch

To wage war against tyranny

Weather with weapons or words or protest

You must struggle to remain free

            Do not give up what I won for you