In Sparta’s Presbyterian cemetery,
Stand 10 Civil War tombstones in proud memory.
In ragged, bent and tired line formation,
Each with a bronze GAR grave marker citation.
Ten Grand Army of the Republic veterans,
Each with their own life mystery caravans.
Joseph, Daniel, William, Rodman and Elias,
Jacob, Peter, Jesse, Decker and Erasmus.
They fought to preserve our country’s democracy,
A lesson for today’s seditious society.
We know not of their war experiences or lives,
Yet their service and sacrifice still survives.
All of our country’s citizens need honor their breed,
“Fraternity,” “Charity” and “Loyalty” their creed.
George Kibildis
Sparta