Memorial Day 2022

startribune ^ | AUGUST 10, 2011 | JON TEVLIN

[Kartographer]

A quick recap: Amateur photographer Frank Glick was on his way to work when he drove through Fort Snelling National Cemetery early one morning. He spotted a bald eagle through the mist, perched on a gravestone, and snapped shots with his aging but ever-present camera.

Nice shot, he thought.

An acquaintance saw the photo and suggested that he see if the deceased soldier had any living relatives who might want it. Indeed, Maurice Ruch's widow was alive and well and delighted to receive a copy of the eagle watching over her beloved husband.

Glick's friend called me. Nice story, I thought.

Then it began.

[Kartographer]

Frank Glick took this photo of an eagle on a gravestone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. His picture inspired me to write this poem:

Eagle’s Watch

In a quiet river valley,
Lies a green and peaceful place,
Where warriors come to rest,
Having honorably met their fates.

No more do they stand the watch
Their worthy service done,
They’ve passed their duties on
To other Fathers' sons.

Yet flying high above them,
On silent wings spread wide,
Soars freedom's embodiment
And a country's sign of pride.

The mighty Eagle watches o'er all
And guards their well-earned rests.
For he like they, knows the feel
Of Freedom in his chest.

And though he does his best to guard
The fallen warriors' sleep.
Still at times he grows so weary
And must rest his wings a-beat.

So slowly he glides his way
To where the fallen rest,
And there he bides his time a bit
Among the honored Vets.

And though he knows no words
Of the valiant warriors' speech,
Still they communicate
In a way that words can't reach.

Having communed with those who lie
Among the rows of stone,
The Eagle takes to flight again
And resumes his post alone.

In endless soaring circles,
He surely makes his rounds,
Guarding the fallen heroes
Who make this hallowed ground.

Jack Cook © 2011

[21twelve]

Thanks! I’ve seen the photo before but not the poem.

[fidelis]

In Minnesota, apparently.

[Kartographer]

Yes Fort Snelling National Cemetery

[jmacusa]

Wow!.

[FES0844]

Stunningly beautiful.

[airborne]

Beautiful!

(darn pollen has my eyes watering)

[KeyLargo]

Thank you for posting.

[KeyLargo]

Some background:

“I’d say the eagle had a very good eye when he landed on Maurie, and he was respected,” she said. “I miss him,” said Vivian as she picked up the photo. “He was a good man and a good provider.

“https://www.startribune.com/the-eagle-couldn-t-have-picked-a-better-person/124543223/

[MomwithHope]

Hi Kartographer! Please allow me to post a link to a Memorial Day thread I started 2 days ago, for people who wanted to post pictures or names of their families heroes who paid the ultimate price. I love that eagle picture and it is so perfect. God bless all those who gave their lives for the rest of us.

https://freerepublic.com/focus/chat/4066701/posts?page=15#15

[M Kehoe]

Bttt.

5.56mm

[MercyFlush]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

[Jane Austen]

Impressive photo and poem.

[Jane Austen]

Impressive photo and poem.

[airdalechief]

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.