A Tribute to an Unknown Soldier
Veterans Day reflections on the price of freedom.
by Greg Asimakoupoulos
November 11, 2004
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A Tribute to an Unknown Soldier_Greg Asimakoupoulos-Veterans Day reflections on the price of freedom
Hey soldier,
even though I never knew you,
I want to thank you.
You loved our country just like I.
You bled red, white and blue.
You didn’t run when Uncle Sam said
“Young man, I need you!”
The things you fought for
are the possessions I cherish.
They are privileges
I could never afford on my own.
Freedom from fear.
Freedom from want.
Freedom of speech
and freedom to worship God.
A treasure chest of priceless gifts.
That’s what you bequeathed to me.
Because of you (and others like you),
I am wealthier than I can fully comprehend.
Still, in the end, in the pursuit of justice
(in which you gave your life),
it doesn’t seem fair at all.
Why should you be called to give up
some of those freedoms
in order to make all of them possible
for those who are sometimes hesitant
to show their gratitude?
Hey soldier,
even though I never knew you,
I want to thank you.
I cried the day I heard you died.
As your flag-covered casket
was carried in slow-motion precision
to a waiting hearse,
my heavy heart grieved
with sighs too deep for words.
Hey soldier,
even though I never knew you,
God knew you intimately.
What is more He loved you.
He gave His Son to die for you.
And I’m praying that this loving God
will overwhelm your loved ones
with His comfort and compassion
as He under girds them
with His grace and peace.
After all, thanks to you I have
the freedom to publicly declare
my dependence on Him.
Hey soldier,
I’m grieving you’re gone,
but I’m grateful for what you gave.
And even though I never knew you,
I just wanted to say thanks.
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PO BOOKS BY GREG ASIMAKOUPOULOS |
Sunday Rhymes & Reasons
Published June 4, 2009
Sunday Rhymes and Reasons is a compilation of inspirational poetry by America's pastor/poet laureate, Greg Asimakoupoulos. In this, his third volume of poetry, Pastor Greg paints word pictures that portray both the struggle and fulfillment that define a life of faith. His repertoire of rhymes celebrate rite-of-passage occasions like birth, baptism, marriage and death as well as the major holidays of the church and culture. It is a volume that illustrates the poet's love of words and of popular culture. The author dips his brush into a paint box of hubris, humor and honesty.
"Gloria and I have been encouraged by word pictures from Greg's pen that have celebrated both our ministry and God's presence in our world." – Bill Gaither, Gospel music composer/performer
"Gifted poet Greg Asimakoupoulos is a dear friend of our family. His poetry blesses, comforts, entertains, and provides inspiration for every season of life." – Natalie Grant, singer/songwriter/recording artist
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Now Available!
Teachings of a Three Year Old... Turned Tyke, by Hal Evan Caplan.
A father learns from the wisdom of his toddler.
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