50,000 Names Carved in the Wall

There's teddy bears and high school rings
and old photographs that mamas bring
Of daddies with their young boy, playing ball.

There's combat boots,he used to wear,
When he was sent over there.
And there's 50,000 names, carved in the wall

There's cigarettes, and cans of beer
and notes that say I miss you dear
and children who don't say anything at all.

There's purple hearts and packs of gum
fatherless daughters and fatherless sons
and there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

They come from all across this land
In pickup trucks and mini vans
Searching for a boy from long ago

They scan the wall and find his name
The teardrops fall like pouring rain
and silently they leave a gift and go

            There's Stars of David and rosary beads

and crucifixion figurines
and flowers of all colors large and small

   There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin
Little American flags waving in the wind
and there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

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It is with the deepest gratitude and love that I salute the men and women in our military that courageously fought and died for our country so that we might all be free.    

  Beth