Something called Pearl Harbor jarred my mind,
when Japan dropped bombs and started war;
life back then was different and more kind,
except for the fighting we all abhor.
I 've photos of my dad from those days,
a Marine that they called the old man;
he was only 26, and very far away,
from the New England hills and land.
I only know he was a soldier from the pics,
I was so young, I don't remember much;
he helped rebuild the shipyard (as his licks),
he was the man to count on in a clutch.
Pearl Harbor is for me, a distant time,
recollections told by others in a bar;
another place. another island clime,
medals put aside in some dusty jar.
Today I fly the flag for those that died,
to keep our nation strong and free;
we honor those that fell and tried,
so we could live our lives and be.