Memorial Day 2009

What happened to the old days?
Treat your neighbor and country
as you yourself want to be treated.
It seems we have changed our ways,
as you will have to sadly agree.
Lady Liberty has been cheated.

There's a Memorial Day Parade
in Rumford today.
I took some leave
and drove back to visit.
It's still small town,
and always will be home
wherever I roam.
I forgot my blue uniform,
wish I had it to march in the formation.

What happened to the old days?
Treat your neighbor and country
as you yourself want to be treated.
It seems we have changed our ways,
as you will have to sadly agree.
Lady Liberty has been cheated.

There's a Memorial Day Parade
in Rumford today.
I find a place to park
on the corner of Exchange Street.
Not a lot of cars around.
The musicians tune up,
a very sweet sound.
Maybe I am early,
but the crowd seems a bit thin.

What happened to the old days?
Treat your neighbor and country
as you yourself want to be treated.
It seems we have changed our ways,
as you will have to sadly agree.
Lady Liberty has been cheated.

There's a Memorial Day Parade
in Rumford today.
The High School band steps smartly,
dressed in blue and silver,
beating out a tune on the big bass drums.
Rat-a-tat-tat.
The National Guardsmen,
newly returned from Iraq,
step smartly through
nearly empty streets.
Where are the boys and girls
flag waving and saluting?

What happened to the old days?
Treat your neighbor and country
as you yourself want to be treated.
It seems we have changed our ways,
as you will have to sadly agree.
Lady Liberty has been cheated.

There's a Memorial Day Parade
in Rumford today.
Over beside the courthouse
on Congress street,
stand men with signs,
denouncing Americans in Iraq
and Afghanistan,
reminiscent of protesters
in the late 1960's.
My big brother Digger
steps up beside me.
"How do you feel about wandering
over there and taking some signs away?"
Now that would make my day!

What happened to the old days?
Treat your neighbor and country
as you yourself want to be treated.
It seems we have changed our ways,
as you will have to sadly agree.
Lady Liberty has been cheated.