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Question: What is it about a military ceremony we find so thrilling!?
Ushered to the crisp linen-backed folding chairs
reserved just for family in the front row
the emptied hangar now filled not with planes
but men in uniform all standing at attention
to my front, flags tall in a line behind them

a Navy band playing off to the side patiently waiting
the traditional pomp and circumstance to commence
this military ceremony honoring their station's
beloved commanding officer, my father

we sat so straight as we were trained to do aware
the warm eyes burning the backs of our necks
"You represent me, you will be watched by the crowd
remember that and behave accordingly," he warned

the Captain smartly strides his way to the stage
shoulders squared, head erect, his cover starched and placed
with visor exactly parallel, two inches above his eyebrows
in full dress whites as per the uniform of the day

he begins his speech full of praise for his troops
politically correct in noting not his own importance
a chest weighted down with multiple rows of colorful
medals betrays his futile attempt of humility

a sharp salute is delivered in respect as yet another
award is presented to this highly admired, successful man
this man who just the night before came to my door again
ordered me to his bed and did things to his nine year old
daughter for which I'm quite sure no medals are received!.


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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Let his sadness be
his own!. You've had your
turn at the gallows hang, now
breach the pain and kill
the girl!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Military ceremonies, pomp and circumstance
they are indeed majestic to behold!.
The pageantry to represent the glory
of those on whom the medals are bestowed!.
The uniforms a symbol of their honor
like the knights of old, sworn to uphold the truth!.
And last the ball, with merriment and dances
in honor of the one who stole your youth!.

A true tragedy, ma!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Very good Ma!. Would like to say i attended one of those funerals for my Uncle Homer who served in WW 2!. Most impressive, the pomp and circumstance was something that made me cry!. Thanks, and for those who dont know they should!.I wouldnt call it thrilling but a reminder of who just died to help US be free!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

There is no real thrill in them in my opinion and thankfully there are more good people verses the bad in our military!. No man or woman that harms a child, military or non-military, deserves honor or respect!. They deserve to be punished!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I am sorry for what happened to that nine year old girl!. No medals should be awarded!.!.!.you are right!. Nine year olds need to know where their voice can be heard and taken serious!. So sad how many young gals had this happen and kept quiet out of fear, love!.!.whatever!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

That is quite a kicker you have injected in the last stanza, up to that point I was feeling a bit ambient about the poem!. THEN you lit it up and made a ho-hum piece of verse have an impact right between my eyes!.

Well done!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

He pays for eternity
A disgrace not only
To his country
But to his family
To his Creator
His medals burn hot
In Hell
She becomes an Angel
Helping so many
Watching over us AlwaysWww@QuestionHome@Com

Life has little cruel ironies and I hope the little girl learns bravety latter life!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It's about honoring those who serve and have served our country!. All who serve are not like the man in your poem!.!.!.!.thank God!. **gives you hugs**!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

That was good, a man in uniform always looks hot to meWww@QuestionHome@Com

Very nicely done I'd say!. LOLWww@QuestionHome@Com

wow!.!.nice expression ma!.
love youWww@QuestionHome@Com