The Silver Platter
Sherry said the article about Iwo Jima (Feb 23rd) reminded her of the following poem. I agree. This very moving poem speaks of the men and women whose lives became the "silver platter" serving freedom to the people of Israel. The same tribute can be said for true heroic defenders of freedom worldwide. We Americans act like things like freedom of speech and freedom of religion and freedom to move about are things rightfully ours and handed to us on a silver platter, too often forgetting the heroic sacrifices that stain that platter. Thank you, Sherry, for sharing this poem. The Silver Platter , by Natan Alterman (translated from Hebrew) The earth grows still. The lurid sky slowly pales over smoking borders. Heartsick but still living, a people stand by To greet the uniqueness Of the miracle. Readied, they wait beneath the moon, Wrapped in awesome joy before the light. - - Then soon, A girl and boy step forward, And slowly walk before the waiting nation; In work clothes and ...