THE FINAL CALL By Lori A Alicea

We are all called by God to give honor,
Where honor is due.
(Romans 13:7)

The military also gives such honor,
To its deceased soldiers in a final roll call
At their life’s celebration.
As a family, we recently said good-bye to one of our own,
A proud marine who faithfully lived and died by these three simple words:

God, Country, Flag.
Presenting to our fine marine,
The honor now due him.

THE FINAL CALL
By Lori A Alicea

Before our eyes a sea of blue,
Attention straight and tall.
A roll call of our fine Marines,
Who took the clarion call.

Defend our Lady Liberty,
Protect our countries shore.
A roll call of each faithful name,
Who proudly stands before.

Where one by one Marines are called,
The flag is flying near.
And down the list, those dressed in blue,
Acknowledge that they’re here.

But heaviness of silence felt,
The roll call stops the same.
When one Marine does not respond,
Or answer to his name.

But try again this soldier’s name,
ACKNOWLEDGE Sergeant Joe!
The roll call waits for his response,
But each Marine they know.

The faithful never leave their post,
Their heart and soul give all.
This brotherhood of tears concede,
Must be his final call.

The dog tag worn around his neck,
The names of our Marine.
Identify the man he was,
The hidden and the seen.
A dad to four and papa six,
A brother and a friend.
An armor bearer, uncle too,
A hand of hope to lend.

A child of God, beloved son,
A warrior on his knees.
Who lived to give his life away,
Embraced the least of these.

A husband of one bride he loved,
No name could dare compare.
And at the feet of Jesus lay,
The crown he used to wear.

Then arms are raised, three volley rounds,
Bombs bursting in the air.
A gun salute which bursts a heart,
Without her soldier there.
Resounds, a bugle call of TAPS,
The words, A day is done.
His faithful years they fade into,
The drawing of the sun.

The flag is folded end to end,
For which he gave his life.

The service of a proud marine,
Presents a soldier’s wife.
His country held against her chest,
Down flowing from her cheek.
The years of love she shared with him,
Her tears begin to speak.

Her heaviness of silence felt,
MY GOD! MY GOD! My heart!
This soldier’s wife, God grant her peace,
The years they are apart.
A name now stricken from the roll,
Though etched in memories set.
A name who loved those stars and stripes,
His country won’t forget.
Our fine Marine he took up arms,
Defend our countries shore.
A roll call now of faithful ones,
His Savior, stands before.
Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Alicea
September 23, 1955 – July 30, 2021

A country thanks you for your service.