This poem is found on the reverse of Missing In America Project. A project conceived in 2006 and grown into an unstoppable entity, growing all across this nation. One man with a vision after recognizing an omission of service to our nations veterans existed, stood up and did something positive. The poem refers to the work that has been building in demand since inception. All volunteer work that is attracting like-minded people, caring for veterans that have been abandoned or forgotten, languishing on shelves and in storage areas all over this nation.
The compelling thought of this is drawing interested parties in many states to recognize this compassionate work. We could say that many families should be interested, as many families have veterans as parents or other relatives that are or could become a forgotten statistic. It is not a hard thing to do in this day and age.
In just five short, but hectic years, has seen a steady growth in demand. Reason for this work is that our government has not attended to its veteran population, it has been an oversight to care for the deceased service member responsible for our freedom and liberty. How can this be?
The founder recognized this omission in 2006 and stood up and did something about it. Voluntarily building an organization of volunteers in many states. Gaining a non-profit tax-deductible status for donations to be fully tax-deductible under a 501(c) (3) charitable status. A Bill in Congress that just sits there that could remedy the situation should it ever pass.
States are recognizing the work of Missing In America Project (MIAP).State governments are beginning to cooperate and pass bills that ease the work required; Highway Patrols are providing approval for traffic control, city police are favorably cooperating, cremains of veterans in more than a dozen states have been cared for, interred with honors rendered. Funeral Homes in all states know of the existing problem and most welcome MIAP to work with them. The demand has become increasingly busy, proving that the nation is remiss in its care for veterans of all military since the Civil War! I do not know the author of the poem. But it describes the goal and the reason for MIAP.
Anyone interested in learning more may email: ducpho@miap.us or www.miap.us
Thanks for visiting. - Bob
P.S. No one at MIAP knows of this article. I just felt that there are people "out there" that may want to team up with these brave, unselfish souls, or may have a need, or know of someone that has a need. "You never know." Think on it, won't you.
Missing in America
Emotions surround me on this day of despair
As the Veterans memorial, sorrow wafts in the air
We honor five soldiers and lay them to rest
The armed forces tribute for American’s best.
Their comrades escort them to this hallowed place
A disciplined march, in synchronized pace.
Seven Honor Guard set, arms shouldered to fire
Three shots will ring out, all meant to inspire.
Each volley thunders as it moves through my soul
The flood in my eyes, I no longer control.
Softly, the bugle mourns one final song
Taps for these men, their day is now done.
As I hold my flag high, to honor these men
My heart starts to ache for what gathered us in.
The journey each took to this final place
Is unbearably sad and should cause us disgrace.
Missing in Action, we all know this phrase
A price our men pay for defending our ways.
But missing at home, these men should not bear
Being left on a shelf with no one to care.
Their families are absent, they don’t know we’re here
They’ve left these men stranded, year after year.
On funeral home shelves, their fate left unknown
So our mission won’t end, till all are brought home.
We’ll honor their service and life since the war
And place them with God to rest evermore.
Old Glory is folded and placed at their side
We’ll remember forever, Americas Pride.
Missing in America, a project held dear
Will find all these men and see them brought here.
They defended this Nation with courage and grit
We owe it to them to never forget.
- Don Blair
