In the midst of the challenges that are facing us all; as we deal with the uncertanties of what lies ahead; and as we recover from the chaos that has surrounded our nation since this deadly coronavirus set foot on our shores, we have all seen the commercials that tell us to stand together, even as feelings of isolation and despair have swept over a large protion of our citizenry. We can do that today...and we can do that for the long haul because of the sacrifices on the battlefield in this war against a silent enemy. For far too many have made the ultimate sacrifice as they fought to keep others alive and they have given their most precious possession, life itself. Christ told his followers that there was no greater sacrifice than for a man to lay down his life for a friend....and to each one that has given that sacrifice, we promise to remember and to celebrate the life you have given to save another.

To those who have answered the call to fight and to the family members who have bravely supported them from afar.... THIS TRIBUTE IS FOR YOU...MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS AND KEEP YOU; MAY HIS COUNTENANCE BE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE ...AND MAY ALL OF US WHO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY DUE TO YOUR FRONT LINE EFFORTS, MAY WE GIVE YOU OUR PRAISE AND HEART-FELT ADORATION FOR A FIGHT WELL DONE...

TRIBUTE TO THE FRONT LINE....

Silent; deadly; without making a sound

This ferocious enemy came slinking around.

No amount of preparation could thwart it's advance

As grown men stood helpless as if in a trance.

Then doctors and nurses in medical war gear

Began the fight as they brought the enemy near.

Testing those patients who struggled to fight; yet,

Losing some battles in the wee hours of the night.

But bolstered and armed and ready to go

Policemen and medics now stood toe to toe;

On the front lines to battle, each lending a hand

To care for those stricken across this great land.

The grocers, the checkers and baggers stood too

As they waited on shoppers like me and like you.

Even the mail carriers were doing their part

As they delivered their packages and did not lose heart.

People whose lives had been turned upside down

Had lost all their joy; each face wearing a frown.

But those who fought bravely on the front line

Each knew that victory could come any time....

So they kept on fighting, no matter the cost

Enduring the suffering and remembering those lost;

Taking no thought of the risk each would take

Giving  their all...a difference they'd make.

So to EVERYONE that has battled this foe;

Who have given their all, so onward we go.

We have little to offer...we can NEVER repay

The costs you've endured as you battled each day.

So let us say as our hearts overflow

And offer our THANKS as our praise we bestow;

Our suffering is lessened, soon we'll all be just fine.....

 FOR THE STANCE YOU TOOK.... ON THE FRONT LINE!!!

WPQ © April 30,2020