Unknown

We all know that freedom isn't free

Laid to rest with honor

No name upon the stone

May he have eternal rest

In the Tomb of the Unknown

 

Unknown, where he came from;

Unknown, how he died

Deserving of all homage

For what has been denied

 

The family had no closure

Parents grieved, but never knew

A grateful country owes him;

He paid our freedom’s due

 

Guards walk the mat precisely,

Their brother, never alone;

Twenty-one solemn paces

At the Tomb of the Unknown

 

Here rests in honored glory

In tribute without cease 

A soldier known but to God 

Beneath Victory, Valor, and Peace

Author's Note

I am always greatly affected by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington. I feel that these men paid the ultimate price, and then some, because their families were denied their final goodbyes. This is the Memorial I will be thinking about this Memorial Day.

Reviews

[Kristin Lee]

Wonderful tribute to those brave soldiers who did pay the ultimate price for this country. I gave myself a little history lesson brush up when I wrote Hoisting the Colors about Memeorial Day because I wanted to know more about it's origins, fascinating stuff. Thanks for writing and sharing this powerful poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Kristin. It is important history to know.

[FJ Davis]

I've never been to The Tomb of the Unknowns; your poem brought me there--and put the monument in its noblest perspective.
Thank you, Rita!
"Unknown" is a significant, heart-swelling piece of work, written by a great and patriotic soul.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you sincerely, Frank.

[Lina Grey]

Last year, I went on a trip with my school to D.C, and we visited Arlington National Cemetery and watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony. A debate came up on the bus about whether or not the bones should be uncovered and the DNA identified. I don't think we should. I think it's better for us to not know. They are our country's men, not a particular family's. They fought for our freedom and they deserve to rest in peace, not to be disturbed to curb our curiosity. The fact that we don't know who of us was denied saying goodbye to our loved one, it makes us all say goodbye. we all miss them and revere them because they, by virtue of having no identity, are the true identity of the American soldier. Your poem speaks with heart and respect. Solid write, Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Tank you, Lina. I like your take on the Unknowns - that because they belong to no one, they belong to all. Actually, there was a soldier from the Vietnam war buried there, and years later his remains were identified and returned to his family. I guess if I were the mother of a missing soldier, though, I would want to know...

[Lina Grey]

That's true. I suppose the only thing worse than losing your child to war is to not even know for sure what happened to him. That story of the Vietnam soldier who was identified is what had sparked my class's debate. Perhaps when I become a mother, I'll understand the arguing perspective a bit easier. I just believe more in the symbolism of a soldier, than the humanity of one, i suppose.

[Rita L. Sev]

I actually think it's great that your class had the debate at all! Smart bunch! :)

[Lina Grey]

:)

[Will]

It's a scary thought; knowing that these men gave everything for their country and their families never knew whether of not they're even there. A very deeply moving piece, Rita, with solid rhyming and superb flow.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Will. Yes, it is a horrible thought - I think often of those families...

[Chris]

Some memories are short... this speaks with heart and understanding.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this poem is really moving, Rita....

so well done, the only thing i could think to do after reading is to salute those unknowns but also the poet who wrote this.


jacob

[Rita L. Sev]

Jacob, thank you so much for this kindness.

[Damien Thibodeaux]

OMG, Rita.... This is sooo good. Your ability to always find the right words blow me away. I can imagine the beat of your poem reflecting the changing of the guard, which is an amazing thing to witness. What a beautiful creation for Memorial Day.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Damien! Yes, that is an amazing event to see.

[carol burgess romance]

Beautiful tribute

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Carol

[rhythm&blues]

Very nice tribute, especially at this time, thank you for sharing this one.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, R&B. Appreciate your comments!

[Frieda P]

Chills ran through me whilst I read this, I remember the same feeling when I was there years ago. Touching tribute Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Frieda.