Red, White, and Blue

Red, White, and Blue

The flag shone in the setting sun.
Retreat was sounded, “Day is done...”
White crosses marked each hero lost.
I wondered: Was it worth the cost?

This nation that I love and served
to see that freedom was preserved,
seems to have lost its dignity,
replaced by “What’s in it for me?”

The soldiers folded, with great care,
the flag as though each was aware
the nation’s heart was in their hands.
“to the Republic, for which it stands...”

Red stands for valor, bravery.
Yet, cowardice is what I see
from leaders who refuse to stand
for values that have built this land.

White symbolizes purity
in word and action; honesty.
I watch as leaders promote lies
cloaking intent with false disguise.

Blue stands for justice, vigilance.
To seek the truth without pretense
of those who try to circumvent
“the truths we hold self-evident...”

No king or despot on a throne
will sit beneath this flag that's flown
to remind us each, lest we forget,
of those whose lives have paid our debt.

An entry for the August round of "HONORING OUR VETERANS " 
Prompt: None.
Form: Quatrain
Line Count: 28