Poignant image of a lone bald eagle perched on top of a US soldier's gravestone sweeps the web on Memorial

Mail Online ^ | PUBLISHED: 07:57 EDT, 27 May 2015 | UPDATED: 10:37 EDT, 27 May 2015 | Julian Robinson

[Kartographer]

A poignant image of a bald eagle perched atop a US soldier's gravestone has become an internet hit after it was posted online on Memorial weekend.

The giant bird of prey, America's national emblem, was photographed after flying down and landing in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.

The powerful image was tweeted by the Department of Veterans Affairs on Sunday as the nation paid tribute to men and women killed at war.

[Kartographer]

[Kartographer]

My poem that I wrote to go with this photo

The 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 hollowed ground. Copyright © 2011 by Jack Cook

[grimalkin]

Wow.

[WXRGina]

Well-done, Jack.

[nwrep]

Congrats, Jack. Great poem.

[linMcHlp]

bkmk

[telescope115]

That’s beautiful. Good job, thank you.

[telescope115]

I have seen the photo before, but I never tire of looking at it.

[rottndog]

This has been around many years....spectacular photo nonetheless.

[NautiNurse]

Beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing.

[drypowder]

Out Standing!!

[No name given]

Such a beautiful sight.

[Montana_Sam]

Your posts are a perfect fit.
Thank you.

[Lurker]

Hallowed. The word is hallowed.

L

[NFHale]

Well done brother

[SisterK]

the photograph
and your poem
are both hauntingly beautiful

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

Bookmark.

[djstex]

Beautiful poem!
Thank you for sharing.

[wjcsux]

Fantastic!

[gibsonguy]

Let’s hope it wasn’t killed by one of the rat wind mills.