Visiting the war memorials
And cemetery
Brings a sadness
For these people
Who you never knew
But who made
A huge difference
In your life.
Whether it is one person
Or one thousand people
Each and every one
Named and unnamed
Made a significant contribution
To life
As it is today.
Seeing those
Paying their respects
To mothers
Fathers
Sisters
Brothers
Friends
Even strangers.
You stand in a silence.
Not only one of sadness
But one of respect
And admiration
For those strangers
Who gave their all
For all of us.
So live your life
And do what you can
To make these unknown people
Proud.