today the world fell silent, listening for a voice, a voice familiar as our days are to us – stunned by the absence of a voice, a voice that filled the void in truth’s pursuit and freedom’s following –

a courageous voice, faithfully proclaiming, undeterred by men’s scoff and scorn –

one voice amid the noise of all the world – gone – yet there seems now an eerie silence in the midst of clamoring, striving voices raised in rhetoric to be heard – but none are clear nor understood –

I listen for the lost voice, that is no more – willing words of wisdom to rise above the din of hate and fear – wishing words of truth and freedom once again to hear –

who will step into this void so abruptly vacated, where a patriot’s words once fell? not upon ears grown deaf, but upon minds and hearts learning how to love a country in word and deed as well –

myriad voices fill the world, strange – one less would be worthy of such note – with this voice lost, we must find our own, speak into the silence, speak through the noise, speak into that space a patriot’s voice once occupied – freedom’s call should not cease – truth’s proclamations should increase –

today earth has one less voice but heaven’s chorus can rejoice – in that choir every voice finds its place, every voice is heard, every voice given grace –

may this voice’s void be filled with the legacy he leaves – may we love each other well and this country freedom bequeathed – may we cherish her as he did, may we sacrifice to keep her alive – though his voice has gone silent – his legacy will survive –

to us to carry on the chorus – to us to let our voices sing – let the bells be heard again, today let freedom ring!

“lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of Liberty . . .”

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

rest well freedom fighter, lover of liberty, pursuer of truth, defender of America, respecter of all people, – thank you for fighting for us, thank you for fighting for me, you were our voice, you were my voice, you were our encourager, you were my encourager, you were our teacher, you were my teacher, you were a voice of truth amid the din of deception, a model of perseverance, you fought to the end – victory is yours!

sincerely, Grace Day