Remember Our Troops

By Alicia Matthews

Stephen Lega

Denise Chatigny takes a moment to think about the veteran buried at this gravesite during Wreaths Across America Saturday at the Lebanon National Cemetery.

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Christmas is here, it's that time of year -

Everyone is rushing, spreading good cheer!

But far, far away in a land strange to most - 

Our troops stand watch, at our Bases and Posts.

Our children are excited to sit on Santa's lap -

While Mom and Dad are thankful, to just get a nap!

But our Troops are not able to even lie down -

As they constantly patrol through our enemy's towns.

We see our kid's faces - the joy and the glee -

As we all gather 'round our bright Christmas tree!

But our Troops families miss them, and pray everyday -

That God will be kind, and not take them away!

So remember each one, for they've all done their part -

And don't ever forget to keep them close in your heart!!

God Bless our Troops -

God Bless America!

 Editor's note: Lebanon native Alicia (Higdon) Matthews submitted this poem to the Enterprise, which she wrote in December of 2006. The poem was published in the book, Collected Whispers, in 2008. Matthews said she wrote it while sitting in the pharmacy at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, M.D. Matthews has strong ties to the military. Shortly before writing her poem, both her daughter and son-in-law had returned safely from Iraq. Since then, her son-in-law has been deployed twice and is now safely at home again. Matthews' late husband, William Lee Matthews, is buried at the Lebanon National Cemetery, and she visits there often.