Memorial Day 2009

On this Memorial Day 2009 I attended a Memorial Day Service here in Plano. As I sat there listening to the speakers, hearing the Star Spangled Banner and Taps, my mind wandered to think of an uncle that I never had the privilege of knowing. You see, my uncle, Charles W. Davis gave his life fighting for our country in WWII. Charles was a PFC with General Patton's third army 89th Infantry Division. Charles was 19 years old when he died crossing the Rhine River. My search for information on this division and more information about my uncle's service is just beginning on this Memorial Day. I am happy to say that my dad shared with me pictures, letters and the small bit of information that they received when my uncle was killed on March 26, 1945. One item that was given to me by my dad was a newspaper clipping with a poem written by a friend of the family after my grandparents had been told that their oldest son had died in service to his country. This poem says so much, but is most fitting today on Memorial Day.

Below is that poem that was written in remembrance of my Uncle PFC Charles W. Davis. I know that I will never forget what he died for!

Of course there was nothing we could say;

A message arrived saying, "Charles had gone away."

For Charles to us was very, very dear;

And in every eye there was a tear.

Let's not forget the facts, nor leave them there;

It's for freedome this Cross was his to bear.

For those who knew Charles, friend or foe;

Knew his good morals wher're he chanced to go.

The Cross of Christ was his; he bore;

In times of peace, or in times of war.

This torch for Christ to us he threw;

That we may never let this happen anew.

Charles died for a reason, he died for a cause;

A prayer of freedom, to stop and pause.

The life we lead here, the fun we share;

The good things we have; bright hopes that we dare.

These ideas of Charles', I'm sure we can see;

These good things of life he left for you and me.

Let's keep that faith, to us he gave;

And set a peace, this ole world to save.

A prayer each morning to start the day;

A million prayers of thanks to Charles, who went away.

To Charles and every boy that's there;

Let's never forget in this world of care.

To love one another, lend a helping hand;

That this was was fought for the freedom of man.

Author Unknown

May all of those who have fought for our freedom and are still fighting today, know that we the people of the United States of America will never forget your sacrafices!