Pete Brothers said that all he and his comrades wanted was to be remembered. Most of us on here are of a mind to do so. It got me thinking about this poem I came across many years ago – a different war, but the same sentiment. For those of you who may not have seen it before, it’s posted below.
REMEMBER THEM
If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not always have. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.
©Copyright January 01, 1970 by Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
Dak To, South Vietnam
Major O’Donnell was Killed in Action in Cambodia on March 24, 1970. Posted as MIA, his remains have been recovered and identified.
By: DazDaMan - 3rd February 2004 at 11:03
I seem to remember this poem being at the end of the film Hamburger Hill – very touching stuff.
By: Merlin3945 - 3rd February 2004 at 10:38
Great poem. A lot to be said in so few words.
By: turbo_NZ - 3rd February 2004 at 02:00
Very touching
By: mike currill - 3rd February 2004 at 01:38
I agree wholeheartedly
By: topgun regect - 2nd February 2004 at 23:33
An excellent poem and fitting tribute to all those who have lost there lives in combat
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February 2, 2004 at 11:22 pm