In Honor of All Soldiers

Today just isn't a day off from work. It's a day set aside to honor our Soldiers.

No matter the branch, rank or status...a Soldier is a Soldier. Everybody knows what the definition of a Soldier is, but being a Soldier in itself does not define the man. The man defines the Soldier. The substance of the soul defines the man and the light in the heart shines through the soul. The heart and soul of a man define the Soldier.

Here's a look into one Soldier who's heart and soul ended up defining him for almost a century and surely forever-if forever exists. He not only gave his life for freedom of strangers, but left something of substance behind. Meet the Writer, Poet, Lover & Soldier, Mr. Joyce Kilmer.

Poem by Joyce Kilmer

Trees
(For Mrs. Henry Mills Alden)

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

For those who don't know-I love poetry and this has been a favorite. Today was the perfect day to honor it.