Cecil L. Harrison Salt Lake, Utah

Dedicated to the valiant men of the 6th Marine Division ( of which he was a proud member) The 6th fought the bloodiest, costliest and the last battle of World War II against Japan! Okinawa-Apr. 1,1945- June 12,1945; over 200,00 Japanese and Okinawans were killed and 100,00 casualties for the U.S. (12,000 Killed) few men of the 6th who hit the beach, Easter Sunday April 1, were still there June 21, when the battle ended! Few Americans ever knew of the 6th or the true casualties as the world was celebrating victory in Europe; while the 6th Div. was locked in a death struggle on Okinawa!! The 6th formed overseas and disbanded overseas! His poems have been published in National Library of Poetry and other National and Local Publications.

"THEY GAVE SO MUCH" Fifty years since their lives they gave So freedom lives the flag still waves They wanted to live, The same as you Be with their children, they never knew So many things, they all did miss Those soft sweet lips no more they'd kiss They loved to run feel the morning sun Loved so many things for they were young But war forced them to leave their home Fight in foreign lands and die alone So don't forget, though they are gone Though your life be sweet and full of song They gave their all, the flag still waves O'er the land of the free and the home fo the brave So when you see a lonesome grave And the stars and stripes above it waves Just bow your head and remember yet They gave so much; Please don't forget !

WAR IS NEVER OVER War is never over Thought the treaties may be signed The memories of the battles Are forever in our minds War is never over So when you welcome heroes home Remember in their minds they hold Memories known to them alone War is never over Nam veterans know this well Now other wars bring memories back Of their own eternal hell War is never over For I knew world war two And I'll not forget the battles Or the nightmares that ensue War is never over Those left home to wait know this For many still are waiting It was their farewell kiss War is never over Though we win the victory Still in our minds the battles No freedom is not free!

All poems Copyright © 1997 Cecil L. Harrison. All rights reserved.