DEAD PRESIDENTS.

He watched the funeral procession on TV.

Millions more were watching

as the Politician, Airman, and President

was sent to his rest.

He was a great man.

But, he wasn’t the only one.

Millions more

live a great life

and leave great memories.

Some of them fought in the Great War.

They came home physically debilitated,

but unbowed.

They struggled to make a living

in a hearing world

and bore families in quiet dignity.

They studied law

but couldn’t practice.

They got jobs that used their skills

in other ways.

They attended Mass every day

and gave thanks to a Creator

who saw their deeds

and smiled.

They instilled values in their children

and grandchildren.

They showed, by example,

what it means to be great.

None of them got a parade.