They did not die so that we could protest
A self-centered right to damage others
They did not die so that we could protect
A lump of metal rather than mothers
They did not die to devalue our life
The lives of youth, adults, humanity
They did not die to cause hatred and strife
The divide of nation, insanity
They did not die for monetary gain
To line their uniform’s pockets with blood
They did not die for ego, to persist
in dragging our children through deadly mud
Our military forces died for peace
Not vanity that causes us to cease
In remembrance of military personnel who have lost their lives in service to our country on this Memorial Day, along with the children and teachers who have died in our schools due to gun violence, I hope this sonnet conveys my feelings – that those who died in service did not do so for a skewed ideology of second amendment rights. Our military personnel fought for an honorable and respectful freedom, where all citizens have personal rights that don’t conflict with the harming, targeting and death of others, especially innocent children.
I hope and pray that our politicians will, much like the Grinch, grow a heart three times its size and make necessary and common sense changes to our gun laws. It’s what the majority of Americans want.
It’s what the rest of the world does.
Mary J Melange 
Extremely well said, Mary. Thank you.
You are welcome, Judy.
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Thank you ❤
Well said, Mary. This wasn’t the vision of freedom they had when they died.
Never was this the vision, Dan. I have to believe our founding fathers would be shocked at how much our country values their weapons over the lives of children.
They did their best, Mary, but they could never imagine this.
So well expressed Mary.
Thank you!
That was so beautiful, so touching. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Pam. ❤
Thank you! I very much appreciate the anger in this. You are right that they did not die so that more would die, especially children.
Thank you for your comment. I can’t comprehend the justification of people who still believe a gun and their “rights” are more important than the safety of children. Do they not have a soul?
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Amen. Amen. ❤
And a third Amen…
Hear, hear. Well said. I agree.
Thank you, Ally. I certainly hope a change in our laws is coming because if not now, when?
Excellent post, Mary. Very well written. I’m hoping and praying with you that the hearts of those deadly politicians (and their supporters) grow larger, and their minds grow saner – for life and an honorable and respectful freedom.
Thank you, JoAnna. We sorely need politicians to stop being greedy, selfish and heartless so that no one dies needlessly again at the hands of an angry 18 year old with an automatic weapon.
Thank you for adding the link, Judy.