Maurice Harris (Louisville, KY)

No measure of recompense shall e'er requite
All you have given, yet, you seek in return, naught;
Ponderance of the gallantry with which you fought,
Truly awe-inspiring, your united, righteous might!

You honor us, we are humbled in your presence-
Our world, more secure, thanking your vigilance,
Defending us from all forms or manner of pestilence;
Daunting, mere thought of your seeming omnipresence!

With a polite, yet firm command of any endeavor,
You have formed a unity that none could sever!
A hero you are, to the world-in its vast entirety;
Loyal protector for all those in need, near or far;
To darkness you give light-as a bright, shining star-
Guardian of Freedom, Champion of Liberty!

Maurice Harris,22 October 2009