YOU ARE MY HERO

A policeman's badge, a fireman's hat, a construction workers vest,
unearthed from all the rubble, of Democracy's latest test.

As surely as a soldier's death - you defend this great,  free land,
and leave behind the testament, " they gave a helping hand ".

Freely you came to give - without reward, or medals , or gain,
just an ordinary citizen ,  helping ease America's pain.

What did you give up to go there - what sacrifice left behind,
unselfish in your motive,  to race, creed, and color you were blind.

These were American's in trouble - no need to know their name,
they are a part of this thing called humanity, each one just the same.

Some of you will not leave there - you came to help but stay behind,
another victim of the violence, a symbol of the time.

In reaching out to those in pain - you gave the last full measure, 
a sacrifice we will not forget -  a gift our heart will treasure.

It is you,  the average American - that makes Democracy's dream come true,
and where ever in the World people live in freedom - they owe it all to you.

Perhaps unnamed , unheralded - yet to you I will forever stand in awe,
for when our Country needed you , you answered the trumpet call. 

At night time when I rock my Grandchild , as I often do,
together we will say a prayer,  for God and Country and You.

Our history is full of heroes, most of whom I never knew,
but today I'm proud to be an American and I'm proud that America has you.

You are my hero !

William Alexander, CEO
TIC-MS, Inc. 
St. Louis, Mo. 

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