Flags flutter in bright sky breeze
At Punchbowl National Cemetery
Time to reflect
To honor those who have fallen
In ultimate sacrifice
Grave markers flow down green grass hills
On Memorial Day, each marker has a flag
Scattered families pay respects
There are flower leis upon the graves
The gift of many aloha fingers
Mahalo for your service
Morning ceremonies adorn the day
With big brass speeches of far-off places
And battles long ago
And battles near and now
Old veterans sit quietly
What were we fighting for then?
What are we fighting for now?
Are we champions of freedom?
Or just hogs in line for chow
The MAGA crowd says America first
Yeah, there’s sense to that
But life isn’t just about me, me, me
And that’s not how I want my country to act
America should be a freedom leader
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness for all
When I served in uniform
It’s those values made me tall
Yes, we have limits
Can’t police the whole world
But if you can’t support Ukraine against Russia
Then our values bigly diverge
We shall see which way the swirl
American democracy still askew
Hope the barbeque still tastes this good
On Memorial Day 2032
A uniformed band arose from the stands
…and the band played on
Happy Memorial Day
Waipahu Bob 