The Belvoir Eagle newspaper came out today and on page A4 there is a 5 by 7 section that contains my poem on America's Greatness. This would have to be considered my first real publication. While it is only a weekly newspaper down here on Fort Belvoir, it makes me feel pretty good to see my name and composition in print. If you have forgotten the poem, here it is reprinted for you.

While driving through the Fort Belvoir gate to work yesterday, someone on the radio was talking about Washington and how America’s greatness was captured in marble and stone. About that time, I encountered a group of young soldiers jogging along the main road on post and thought to myself that America’s greatness was not in marble and stone. When I got to my desk I wrote down this poem.

America’s Greatness

America’s greatness is not marble or stone
But the soldier who’s willing to stand all alone
Out on their post with weapon in hand
Protecting the people of this great land

America’s greatness wears Army Green
Or the clothes of a sailor, Air Force or Marine
Their background is Asian, Hispanic or Black
Mixed or Caucasian they all have your back

And they’ll take their position and they’ll hold their ground
Protecting your life and all those around
For America’s greatness is not marble or stone
But the soldier who’s ready to lay down his own


Mdailey
02/17/09