Military Service members, Policeman, Firemen, Doctors, Nurses and Teachers are permitted by the author to use these requiems. J.J. Duffy
Crossing Over the River Veteran Day Requiem Forward Air Controller's Requiem
(INSCRIBED in bronze on monument)(with vidio rendition) After The Ceremony Green Beret Requiem (With vidio rendition) Semper Fidelis Requiem Missing-in-Action Requiem Requiem For A Citizen Soldier Soldier's Requiem Sailor's Requiem Airman's Requiem Coast Guard Requiem Old Soldier's Requiem Seafarer's Requiem Requiem for a Boatcrew Band of Brothers Requiem Paratrooper's Requiem Air Commando Requiem Ranger's Requiem Requiem for a Navy SEAL Dolphin Sailor Requiem Delta Force Requiem Requiem For A Pipe Sergeant Requiem for a Door-Gunner Nurse's Requiem Combat Medic's Requiem Physicians Requiem Requiem For A Fallen Hero The Legions Requiem Soldier's Odyssey Requiem for a School Teacher Firefighter's Requiem Police Officer's Requiem |
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This series is dedicated to those who have served and are departed. As appropriate, change to feminine gender. These requiems are appropriate for memorial services. Some have chosen to insert the name of the individual being honored in the title as a more personalized version of the requiem during the service. |
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Crossing Over The River
I stood tall and I served. I served in the Army. I served in the Navy. I served in the Air Force. I followed the flag. I fought the battles. I suffered the hardships. I bled from the wounds. My time has arrived, My last sunset is behind me. I cross over the river. I depart with dignity and honor. |
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You are gone a long time.
You don't know what is now, Your world ended years ago. You fought in the war A very long time ago. Your love was waiting for you. Your children were young then. You now have grandchildren, They are going to school. Your young wife remarried, And the world is much changed. They all still remember you. You were young and strong. You were brave and true. You were a hero in a far off war. You missed a lifetime of living. You missed the hurts and the joys. You would be much older now, Telling war stories to young men. |
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Forward Air Controller's Requiem |
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After The Ceremony |
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Helicopter Pilot Requiem
Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! The sound of a chopper, Lift ships, gunships, Or med-evac helicopters. The men who flew choppers Loved the noise of lift. Vertical flight was theirs, No one else could do it. In the attack or in support, These men were fearless warriors, Riding to the rescue - Beloved by those below. Our chopper pilot is gone. Vertically lifted on high, To join his brothers in the sky. Those who have gone before. Bow your head and reflect on, When he was young and daring, When he was brave and steady, When he performed with valor. Say farewell to a helicopter pilot. Say farewell to a son grown brave. Say farewell to a lover and husband. Say farewell to a Dad no longer here. Read aloud at: CLICK TO VIEW
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Green Beret Requiem |
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"Semper Fidelis" Requiem
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Missing-in-Action Requiem
They were missing-in-action. Their bodies were not recovered. Their stories are not known. Their deeds went unrecorded. They went off on a war mission. They were tasked to do reconnaissance. They were tasked to bomb the enemy. They patrolled in submarines. No reports, no stories: missing-in-action. Had they lived, they would speak: "We fought the devils with our knives. We killed them until they killed us." "I aimed my bombs and they hit, My plane exploded, hit by a missile." " We sank three enemy ships and were escaping, They depth-charged us, we are at the bottom." Play the Pipes, and beat the drum slowly. Dip the flag in honor of a fallen hero. Let a tear run down your face in homage. Salute a brave warrior, Missing-In-Action. |
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Requiem For A Citizen Soldier
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Soldier's Requiem
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Sailor's Requiem
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Airman's Requiem |
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Coast Guard Requiem |
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Old Soldier's Requiem
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Seafarer's Requiem |
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Requiem for a Boatcrew
The roll call is long and sober. A boat crews last known position. The time of their last report. They are missing in the ocean deep. A submariner is unique in the service. He is a member of a boat crew. They fight together, they die together. We now mourn them without caskets. They roamed the ocean far and wide. Their realm was below the waves. They fought and died serving their nation. Each and everyone of them is a hero. Our dolphin sailor is resting eternal. He resides in the deep with his boatcrew. He is commanded by his Captain. The last order was: "Be brave dolphin." Salute the man we called boatmate! Salute the son grown brave! Salute the husband and lover! Salute the Dad no longer here!. |
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Band of Brothers Requiem
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Paratrooper's Requiem
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Air Commando Requiem
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Ranger's Requiem
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Requiem for a Navy SEAL
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Dolphin Sailor Requiem
He wore clean starched whites, On his chest was the dolphin pin, The mark of an elite submariner Who fought in the ocean deep. He served his nation below the sea, Silently sailing where others feared to go. Always ready, always alert, always brave, The submarine he served on, always feared. "Ready! Enemy ship off the beam, Three thousand meters, surface. Prepare to fire! Fire a salvo! Dive! Dive! Dive! Everyone, quiet!" He has crossed over the wide river To join his boatcrew in the hereafter. His service was of the cool professional. His courage was tested, he stood tall. Say goodbye to a boatcrew member. Say goodbye to a husband and lover. Say goodbye to a Dad no longer here. Salute the dolphin sailor who served his nation. |
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Delta Force Requiem
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Requiem For A Pipe Sergeant
(Memorial: Pipe Jimmy Findlater) Listen! Hear the warrior cry of the pipes. Be fearful, you are about to meet terror. The pipes play, you listen, fear is your due, A piper in kilt leads a regiment into battle. The men are brave, the pipes inspire them. Soon they will show their killing bayonets. It is the blade you'll get, no bullet for you, These soldiers are led by a Pipe Sergeant. Hear the terror, listen to the grim reaper wail. The sword of death is about to fall upon you. Their foe's feared the pipes, for behind the pipes, Came the Scots who killed all they ever faced. "Rest ye Pipey." you died an old man, Honored by friend and foe as bravest of all, For you led the regiment into the blaze of battle, With pipes and a dirk to evoke courage in all. Bow your head and reflect on our Pipe Sergeant, Remember his deeds, his triumphs, his glory. Listen to the pipes, listen to our lament. Let a tear roll down your cheek in homage. |
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Requiem for a Door-Gunner
(Air Medal-Valorous) A bullet tore through his chest And came out of his back. He never knew what hit him. He died in in a few minutes. He was a door gunner, Flying hazardous missions. He blasted the enemy, They blasted right back at him. We called him Dallas. He was big and jovial. He didn't look like a hero, But a true hero he died. He was on orders to depart. His tour in Viet Nam was near done. He volunteered for this last mission, A dangerous rescue to save others Say the name of a son grown brave. Say the name of an honored hero. Say his name loud one last time: Dallas Nihsen, inscribed forever. |
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Nurse's Requiem |
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Combat Medic's Requiem |
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Physicians Requiem
A lifetime dedicated to helping, The Doctor is a giving profession. A sick or tramatized patient Relies on his Doctor for help. With knowledge, medicine and skill, Our Doctor treated each patient. He provided relief from pain and distress. He helped us recover from illness. "Prepare the patient for immediate surgery! His chances are slim, but we'll try." The operation takes over two hours. "He'll live, but it was a close call." Our Doctor has crossed over the river. We remember him for his compassion. We remember him for curing our ills. We remember him for always being there. Say goodbye to a husband and lover. Say goodbye to a father and grandfather. Say goodbye to a fellow physician. Say goodbye to a Doctor who served mankind. |
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Requiem For A Fallen Hero |
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The Legions Requiem |
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Soldier's Odyssey |
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Requiem For A School Teacher
Each child is a challenge, Each wanting to learn more, Each wanting the gift of knowledge, Each wanting a future with promise. The life of a teacher is full; Full of opportuities to help, Full of moments of giving, Full of joy when learning florishes. The brain is a work in progress. It takes a teacher to direct it's learning. It takes a teacher to dispell ignorance. It takes a teacher to impart knowledge. The ladder of life's opportunities Is climbed one rung at a time, Reading, writing and arithmatic, These are taught by a teacher. Our teacher is now departed. Her last sunset is behind her. She is now a memory to all of us: Family, friends and so many students. Say goodbye to a mother and wife. Say goodbye to a grandmother too. Say goodbye to a champion of learning. Say goodbye to a teacher. |
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Firefighter's Requiem |
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Police Officer's Requiem |
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Requiem For A Poet
He scribbled words on paper. He discribed life's flow and emotions. He addressed events with study and passion. His words evoked poignancy and tears. A poet writes for others and self. His words stand for generations. His words inspire though and action. His words are his legacy to readers. His poems evoked laughter and love. His poems speak stories of heroes. His labors over words has ended. This poet has written his last word. He has crossed over the river, But, he has left behind a legacy: Thought, learning, laughter and tears. Poetry is eternal, his poetry lives on. Say goodbye to a son who scribbled. Say goodbye to a lover and husband. Say goodbye to a Dad and Grand Dad. Say goodbye to a poet inscribed forever. |
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Vietnam War Rememberance
The war lasted fourteen years. More than three million served. More than fifty thousand gave their lives, Killed in Action, serving their nation. They were all true Americans. They all did their duty as ordered. They served the cause of freedom. They served in a far off war. There was unrest on the homefront. The politicians even decented, Yet the military did its duty Until the order was given: "Withdraw!" We still argue the merits of that war. It is time to forget the differences. It is time to honor the men and women Who fought gallantly and sacrificed so much. |
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Requiem For Daniel Inouye (1924 - 2012 "Aloha") Medal of Honor The man we all learned to trust. The man Hawaii held true. The man this nation honored. The man we will all mourn. He was honored as a soldier, The holder of the Medal of Honor. His courage was an inspiration To all who have served this nation. As a Congressman and Senator, Daniel Inouye served Hawaii As its representative to the nation For fifty-three years of his life. Daniel Inouye has departed. It is his deeds and courage That we honor and celebrate. It is his humanity we evoke. He was Hawaii's greatest statesman. Say "Goodbye" to the man of the ages. Say "Goodbye" to a hero who inspired. Say "Goodbye" to a humanitarian above all else. Raise the flag to the pole top. Slowly lower it to half-mast. Play taps to mark his departure. Let a tear drop fall in homage. |
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The Transition
(Patricia Robles Hermansky)
1920 - 2013
My brother answered the telephone:
"Mom can no longer speak or swallow."
My sister was there also, watching TV.
They were there keeping Mom company.
My brother handed the telephone to Mom.
"I love you so much and I miss you.
You are the best Mom and we know it."
My Mom waved her hand as a Goodbye.
At dusk, John was cleaning up in the garden.
He had a sense of spirit and went inside.
My Mom lay still in her bed, no longer breathing.
It was eight-0-five in the evening.
She crossed over as the sun set, so like her.
She had lived through so much: an economic depression,
The World War, marriage to a returning sailor,
A home, three children and their education.
Saint Peter stood at the gate awaiting her.
The trumpets played! She was transformed
To her youthful beauty and all of her glory.
"You were saintly, you will fit right in here."
She walked into paradise on the golden road.
Around the bend was Maxime and Uncle Joe.
They kissed and hugged her, they cried.
Next on the path stood her husband and lover.
Fran took her up in his mighty arms,
Kissed her on her lips lovingly and rejoiced:
"You are as beautiful and as lovely as first
When I saw you and knew you would be mine."
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A VOYAGE BEYOND TRILOGY
GERTRUDE DUFFY, A REQUIEM (1930-2116)
In Tribute To A Woman With Love “I just loved Gertrude for all of these years. She in turn was a very loving person.”, Thomas, her husband of fifty-six years reflected. Their life together was giving each other the gift of love. She was a wispy young girl born between two great wars In a land that had been fought over for centuries. She lived through disruption, terror, and the horrors Of WWII, and ultimately, displacement from her home. Her life changed as the world around her changed: Her father taken, to be a slave laborer in the Nazi war machine, Her family fleeing their homeland in fear of communism, And displacement to Germany to be reunited with her father at last. They crossed the Ocean to America, she still a young woman, With another new language, home and opportunity to develop. Detroit, the automobile hub, was prosperous and the family prospered. Her strong intellect blossomed and she always wanted more. She found more in the arms of a husband. Thomas was her true love, a mate she held tight. He in turn, never let her go, and still, will not, For she nourished him in his achievements. Gertrude and Tom did it all together with love. They created their dream home and built successful careers. Their children were foremost in their endeavor for excellence. A grandson was a joy beyond expectations as they aged. The road ahead is golden and her footfalls lead her to glory. An old bearded man in robes is waiting for her at the gate. She is transformed to a dazzling youthful beauty. Saint Peter, waiting as the bells toll: “Now Gertrude, don’t lecture me yet!” Scattering of Ashes at Sea
The San Diego Yacht Club is the venue, Friends and family gathered together in tribute. This will be the last boat ride for Gertrude, Her ashes reside in a box to be scattered. We board the "Ko Ko Mo" motor launch, Marv and Michelle's fifty foot Angel boat. It slowly motors out of San Diego Bay. We motor past Point Loma one league. Father Brian Kelly solemn in Navy Blue Speaks from the book of departure and faith. This is the last chapter of her mortal presence, Gertrude will be embraced by her heavenly father. Thomas bids farewell with a poem by Tennyson. He offers her ashes to the choppy sea. Rose petales float upon her ashes. In turn, each guest bids "farwell" with a red rose. Uplifting and solemn, the ceremony concludes. Our eyes spill their tears in homage and grief. "Hail the Angels! Hail the Saints!" Gertrude is rising. God above will care for her in his garden. Heaven's New Mate Ship Ahoy! Saint Peter at the gate, A new mate is due in heaven's port. She is a mate that all will sign on. She will add to heaven's blessed crew. Her resume is long and her deeds loving. She had faith and hope and is stronger than most. Give her a job, rely on her abilities! Heaven will be a better place with Gertrude aboard. |
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William S. Sanders Requiem
(Captain, USAF, KIA June 30, 1970) Bill would fly the danger missions.
He would brave the enemy guns,
Flying low and level at tree top height,
To protect and save those on the ground.
He was our guardian angel in the sky
He risked all to help save the guy below.
Nothing phased him, nothing deterred him
He did the job of a Forward Air Controller.
He was experienced, wise and brave,
The ultimate professional in the cockpit.
He risked all to protect the soldiers below.
He gave all, doing the job he loved.
Say goodbye to a warrior aviator.
Say Goodbye to a son grown brave.
Say goodbye to a mate no longer here.
We salute the hero, now in heaven above. |
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Exodus My mates are here to say goodbye. My head rests in the casket, cushioned. They talk the man that they all knew. They wish me a journey beyond this world. I cannot speak to them as I am dead, But, I enjoy their good thoughts of me. I did my best the whole journey through. I would do the same the next time too. |