The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter
Posted: Thursday, May 28, 2009
by Nenita Wells
In rows, there were about twenty-nine thousand
American flags waving, were placed firmly by hand
By countless volunteers, family and fellow veteran
In tombs of our brave beloved deceased stand.
As the warmth of the sun spraying radiance drew
The resting place where pain and heroism true.
Someone dear leaving cherished memories anew,
On 265 acres stars and stripes gracefully flew.
To the cemetery decorated the roadways, it is
called the "Avenue of the Flags" solemn grounds
Tears begin to fall as bugler starts "Taps" sounds.
European and Asian Theaters of Operation they went
Ninety-six thousands Rhode Island patriots it meant
Leaving their beloved families, friends eminent.
It is wonderful to know that they are in our midst
Even though we do not see their beautiful faces
But yet, we can visit them in their resting places
With flags reminding us of their presence always.
By Nenita Wells
If you love to read and write prose and poetry, why not join the community of writers at www.searchwarp.com/Register.asp you will be surprised of the outcome.
The author was born in one of the 7,100 islands in the Philippines, in Leyte where the famous American five-star general, Douglas MacArthur landed during WWII. She is one of eight children, and she has thirty-five nieces and nephews. She was raised by her parents to be a good Christian. Attended public school both in Elementary and High School in the Philippines. She went to college under the work and study program, earned her bachelor's degree with honors and her first paid full-time job was as secretary to the High School Principal, her first boss was a Benedictine Sister from Germany who was the Administrator of the Catholic school. She lived in New York City from 1977 to 2004 and now lives in Providence, Rhode Island. She loves to read and write poetry.
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More commentsWhat a wonderful poem, Nenita; I always have chills and goosebumps everytime I see american flags; it's very symbolic and has powerful meaning. Seeing the veteran's tombstones were very touching, so with your poem.
Heartfelt remembering of a lovely day - thanks! Good Fortune, CherylHi Cheryl.Thank you for stopping by and commenting and reading my poem. I am glad you liked it.Good fortune to you, too.Blessings,Nenita
Nenita,Sadden by the loss of life for justice in this life. It gives me great pleasure to know that someone appreciates the men in uniform as I do. I hope we all can write a note of appeciate, a letter of thanks, and poem like yours that makes us think.You are wonderful. Keep up the good work.Sincerely,L. JonesHi Lawrence,Thank you so much for stopping by and for reading and commenting on my poem. It gives me so much pleasure to know that our soldiers are appreciated because they deserve all the support we can give and in my own little way...writing a poem.Thanks again for your encouragement.Blessings and good fortune.Best regards,Nenita
How patriotic! It is so important that we do not forget our soldiers, whether they are currently serving, retired veterans or deceased, they must be remembered for the sacrifices they made and are making for our country. God bless our soldiers who are fighting to protect our country. Their sacrifices are great.Hi Jena.Thank you for commenting and reading my poem. It gives me pleasure to write poem to show my gratitude to our soldiers, yes, they are the true protector of our freedom.Thanks for sharing your thoughts.Blessings.Best regargs,Nenita
Great article. Well done.I have visited war graves in France, Belgium and Canada. I would quite like to visit add this to the list as it is amazing what you can learn in a cemetary.Hello Connor.Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem.The grave markers in this cemetery are not white crosses like in most national cemeteries for veterans. The markers are flush to the ground, so all you can see is a sea of waving flags (when I visited the place the weather was perfect!). Yes, indeed, we learned so much from those hallowed grounds. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with to make your visit to Rhode Island memorable.Your adding this memorial cemetery to your list of places you want to visit is wonderful, Rhode Islanders are honored.Thank you Connor, it is good to hear from you.Best regards,Nenita
Great poem, Having served in the Navy during the sixty"s when you were spit on, called names, and my favorite (why not go to Canada) Fight the draftall I can say and when ever ask "I say it was an honor I was Glad to do it! Take a look around graveyards for Vets. "This is the price of freedom!" God Bless America !! Shake the hand of a Vet.trust me it really helps. Frank VitaleHello Frank Vitale.First, I want to thank you for your courage and for the ultimate sacrifice you made for our country. I am very grateful for what you did, for you are the true protector of freedom, I salute you.Second, I will shake a veterans hand and I will say thank you.Thanks for reading and commenting on my poem.May the Lord bless you and keep you.Best regards,Nenita
This is a wonderful memorial for those who have given their lives.On the writing side, I have one little critique regarding proper English. The phrase "On 265 acres stars and stripes gracefully flied." The last word should be "flew". There is no such word as "flied". Other than that, keep up the good work.Hi David.Thank you so much for taking time to read and critique my poem. I am appreciative of your guidance and encouragement. It is good knowing that you selflessly share your knowledge and advise to help others improve their work. I am truly grateful.Blessings.Best regards,Nenita
So touching Nenita. I am annoyed I didn't get round to reading lhis lovely poem soonerKeep wellKacyHello Kacy.Thank you for stopping by and for reading and commenting on my poem. I am glad that you liked it. One of the Army chaplains who have read this poem had asked me if he can use this poem during his ministry, sermon, funeral service and my answer was, "Yes, of course." I wrote this poem to honor our soldiers, living, deceased and those who are still fighting to preserve our democracy.Blessings.Best regards,NenitaIt's funny we talk of soldiers because only this morning me and Graciemae (grandaughter 3 years old) went along to show our support to our local Cheshire regiment marching through our town. Many of them had come back from Iraq. It was a beautiful experience watching them march in step to the sound of the brass band played by the 4th Battalion. How I wanted to hug them all but there were hundreds - so I silently prayed under my breath for them all.God Bless Nenita and waiting to read your next poem.KacyHello Kacy.That is wonderful, you and your grandchild, Graciemae showing your support to your local regiment marching through your town. Patriotic! I would have loved to be there with you enjoying, listening to the brass band and watching them march and praying at the same time for the our soldiers.I wrote another beautiful poem entitled: "The Country Is Blessed and Indebted To You." It is about our soldiers. You will love it.Blessings.Best regards,Nenita
Wow, spactacular. Tho they long have been gone, reminiscing always what they have done.
Thank you for this poem. My dad, a WWII veteran, Army, Third Armored Spearhead, Tank Division is buried there. You have captured the total meaning of what this resting place stands for...a tribute to our veterans who gave their service to this nation unselfishly.Hi Rosalind.Thank you for reading and commenting. I pay tribute and honor the veterans, to include your Dad, through my poem. I am glad knowing that my poem captured the essence of how important the veterans, both living and deceased and those who are still in service are to us.Best regards to you and yours,Nenita
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