White Crosses

By Howard Carl Badger

(Written by Chaplain Badger for a boy whom he took to visit his brother’s grave in Belgium.)

White crosses stand where once stood grain
Marking graves of the valiant who fought, in vain?
No! not in vain was their courage, their love of right
Their desires to save at any cost
A priceless heritage.
With those ideals in sight, they freely gave their precious blood
That Freedom’s soul should not be lost.

Once thrilled with life, they are now but clay,
And yet which one of us can say but that he yet lives who has been
Smiled upon by those he loves,
And whose children with pattering little feet
Have brought to him such joy,
Our Father’s gift from above.
Their lives are molded by his character true
And because of his love will ever be sweet.

He is not dead who has known God and served fellow men
Whose memory those he helped will recall again.
Mourn not, dear ones, though your loss seems so great.
Rather live for that glorious day
When you’ll see him once more.
Go forward with courage, don’t hesitate!
Love truth, cherish honor, seek for the good.
God’s will obey.

(1945)