Thank you, fallen heroes
our friends
cousins
neighbors
dads and moms
brothers and sisters
sons and daughters.

Thank you, for giving your life
for the freedom
to speak
to live
to love
to praise.

Thank you, for facing our enemies,
standing together with might,
falling together with grace.

Thank you, fallen heroes
for putting it all on the line
for giving all you had
for surrendering your future…
so that I can choose
to sit or kneel…
or to stand,
hand over heart
with pride and loyalty
and respect for your sacrifice.

Today, I choose to stand.