The Bivouac of the Dead
The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat
The soldier’s last tattoo’
No more on life’s parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few;On Fame’s eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread;
But Glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.
SOURCE: Poetry of the Viet Nam War
By Pete “the Greek” Agriostathes & Paul Cameron
We Regret to Inform You
Dear parents of the deceased
We regret to inform you of this release
Your son was mortally wounded in combat
His valor in finest tradition and all that
Dear wife and children of this brave man
We regret to inform you of this telegram
Your husband and father killed by sniper fire
He was aiding the wounded until he expired
Dear America, home of our war dead,
We regret to inform you about all this bloodshed
For their gallantry under hostile action are sent
These silver stars and medals from the President
Dear combat comrades of these dear fallen men
We regret to inform you that your memories never end
The sights and sounds of their death keep pounding away
Their names carved on a wall as you kneel down to pray
– Paul Cameron –
1st Inf. Div.