More poetry

And Bill Wilmoth continues to write poetry, long after his service ended. 



Memorial Day
(2013, Golden Gate National Cemetery)


Atop the flagpole, Old Glory snaps in the breeze
Below, in neat orderly rows
Lie the Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines
Who unselfishly gave their lives so that you and I might live!

Unknown to many of us, others lie there too,
Wives and children, P.O.Ws,
Whole bomber crews of WW II.
Up there in “Y” section lies my eldest son
Who would now be sixty-two (62)!

Noteworthy names you’ll find there as well,
Names like NIMITZ, LOCKWOOD, SPRAGUE and FLETCHER.
They all lie there together as a family,
Not separated by rank, race, color, or creed!

They, with a few exceptions, fought under one flag,
The Stars and Stripes of the United States of America.
When it comes my time to join those buried here,
My best wish would be, wind me in the flag of my country.

That beautiful cloth, blowing in the wind,
That every time I see, it brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat.
Remember us all on that Memorial day.
But above all, always remember,
My God, My Flag, My Country


William (Bill) Wilmoth, USN (Ret)