Ante diem quartum Nonas Iulias--
It is a day not meant for the
light hearted.

Although its semblance is quite superficial--
The day met with great grace
As the people lay down their lives
in sacrifice.

And although, even that, may not
Suffice--it's safe to say the wound is
treated by the blindfold of justice.

Bloodied is our freedom and shadowed
is our past. Embrace it like the morning flowers--
There to greet you in this time of
sacrifice.

Still our lives are quite worthy
Of those that worked to chart our dreams.

Let it be not the names gathered upon a wall.
Let it be not the statues of greats figures standing tall.

Even great men cast shadows like yours
and mine. Time has withered their flesh away
And brought upon them--new ideal.

We cannot see those past us.
Any man, woman or child can say
Freedom is not truly what it speaks--
Sacrifice.

But also any fool can say
And the world will no doubt agree--
Freedom takes courage among all levels of intellect.
And to achieve what greater sense we strive for--
Sacrifice is plenty in its own.