"EMPTY BOOTS"

 There they stand
All muddy, covered with grime.
They once were polished;
Like the man.
The bloodstains all blackened
With time.

Proudly they marched
In every parade.
They slogged in the mire
Of war’s long charade.
Now they are empty.
The owner is gone
To that heavenly place
Where brave soldiers belong.

By Esther B. (Campbell) Gates

In Loving Remembrance of this poem was written in memory of a remarkable man, Sky Soldier Tyrone Green (Vietnam "tunnel rat", lifetime humanitarian). He was President of Chapter IV of the Society of the 173d Airborne Brigade.

Posted: 18 March 2004