When engines roared and hatred flew
and innocence was lost
In twisted steel and broken lives --
there lay Freedom’s cost
When heroes crawled amongst the ruins
in desperate search of life
Their burning eyes bore witness to
Freedom’s awful price
When travelers stood to wrest the course
of hatred from its goal
They knew full well they gave their lives
in paying Freedom’s toll
When soldiers proud donned uniforms
for battles all too near
They knew they would not all return
for Freedom’s dues are dear
When from the sorrow a nation rose
in determined unity
With heads held high, prepared to fight
for Freedom is not free
Deborah Whipp, September 20, 2001
