THE SALUTE

By Victoria Koscielniak Twarog

The marching band was passing by

Each marcher stepped in beat

They played “Stars & Stripes Forever”

Which made the crowd stand to its feet

The honor guard carried with much pride

Fifty American Flags waving in the wind

While onlookers with hands on hearts

Stood tall and broadly grinned

And on the curb, a frail, hunched man

Looked through teary eyes of old

His shaky hand slowly lifted to his head

But his salute was crisp and bold

His thoughts were of another time

When the world was at war and full of strife

A young man in his uniform took gun in hand

And pledged to protect freedom with his life

Victory was won under the red, white and blue

And although just simple cloth

Each fiber that is woven throughout our flag

Stands for a life that bravely fought

The old man finished his salute of love

And slowly turned to leave the crowd

When a voice nearby softly said “thank you, sir

For helping to keep our flag flying proud.”

Note: Mrs. Twarog is a published author from Orchard Park and longtime friend to veterans including this site's Web Master.