This poem was written by Army Spc. Ronnie J. Pallares, 19, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA while deployed to Afghanistan.

Spc. Pallares was assigned to 27th Engineer Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Oct. 23, 2010 in Andar district, Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.

(Reproduced with permission of Brenda Pallares)

FALLEN SOLDIER

I am a fallen soldier.

Served my country, just my family's sacrifice.

My name is listed with the others,

Husbands, wives, sons and daughters

Who fought for your freedom, it came with the same price.

 

To my family, I miss you too.

In quiet hours when you feel alone

Just remember I always thought of you

And dreamed of coming home.

 

At the memorial, I'll be there with you

Helmet, guns and boots and the sound of the guns' salutes.

Tears of sorrow and eulogy

You loved so much, but I hope you're proud of me.

 

To my country, for whom I served

I hope for those who did not know me

Enjoy your freedom for which you deserve

But please remember my family who paid for your freedom

They paid the ultimate price.

 

I am a fallen soldier.

Served my country, just my family's sacrifice.

My name is listed with the others,

Husbands, wives, sons and daughters

Who fought for your freedom, it came with the same price.

 

Lyrics by Emma Mosely

Copyright 2007

Fill Not Your Hearts

By Joey Beighley

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I’ve only gone to rest awhile.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased the hurt and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember me not

as now, but as I used to be.

Because I will remember you and look on with a smile,
Understand in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest awhile.
As long as I have the love of each of you,
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.