Remembering the Side Effects of War

Poetry in Song

I have enjoyed the Music of Johnny Cash for many years. He has a way of touching the hearts of the common man. His songs cover a broad spectrum that include this Ballad of Ira Hayes. A Native American, Ira Hayes fought in WWII. He was quite significant at the time, but after coming home he lost touch and became a hard drinking alcoholic. The experiences of war have irrevocable effects on those who witness the atrocities of war. Death and carnage stick in the mind and haunt many who come back from their tours or duty.  In a recent report from the VA, they say twenty veterans commit suicide each day across the country! This is such a sad statistic, and one our country should take very seriously before sending our young men into war.  This Memorial Day is a tribute to all those men who both gave and took their lives.

I hope you enjoy this story in song as you reflect on these statistics.