'This Hallowed Ground'

By Betty McClure

In peaceful slumber they all sleep, these

Veterans, row on row

With headstones placed symmetrically as one

looks to an fro.

No matter which direction or no matter

where one stands

These headstones stand straight in a row

throughout this hallowed land.

They've fought the battles, won the peace,

but did not die in vain,

The flag is lowered, all is still except

for "Taps" refrain.

They've lives the same as you and I, they've

laughed, they've played, they've cried.

They fought the struggle to the end and for

our peace, they died.

We are here to dedicate ourselves in making

sure

That throughout all the lasting years, their

peace will still endure.

No one will ever desecrate, no litter will

be found

Upon their home of peaceful rest, here in

this hallowed ground.

We still have many veterans who have earned

the right to sleep

Here in this peaceful hallowed ground, our

promise we will keep.

With solemn grace and dignity, we'll place

them here to rest.

With grateful prayers we'll thank them

for they gave their very best.

Salute them as you pass them by although

they will not see,

They've earned the right to our respect,

they died with dignity.

Their fears and pains are over, no longer

is their strife.

Gratefully, we thank them for they gave

us their life.

Betty McClure is a retired secretary at Fort Scott National Cemetery