I stare at the casket
Draped with the nation's cloth
I'm momentarily startled
As the guns go off.
Another fallen soldier
being laid to rest.
I struggle to breathe
For the tighness in my chest.
The bugler so smooth
As he hits every note.
It is hard to swallow
For the lump in my throat.
Tears fall like rain
And I look to the sky.
As often as I hear it
"Taps" still make me cry.
The bugle not slient
As I pray for the dead.
I gather myself
And I bow my head
Lord bless these heroes
Who have given their lives.
Comfort their children
Their husbands, their wives.
Let me never forget
They have given their all.
And let the bugle be silent
Let no more soldiers fall.

I saw the tribute above in a memorial in the Erie Times-News on Sunday, April 3, 2005, for Donald Oaks, Jr. It was signed "For Don with eternal love and respect, Aunt Lilly." I'd like to think that we can all take some measure of resolve from these words and echo "Let no more soldiers fall."