Simone of Normandy
She kneels beside the simple grave...
A paratrooper young and brave
Upon whose final resting place
She lays a rose with tender grace.
"Rest well, my sons, the task is done:
Lie peacefully, the battle's won.
In loving memory, reverently
We keep you here in Normandy.
My promise and my prayer for you,
Beloved sons so young and true...
We shall recall your gallant fight
That sixth of June, that Glorious night!
Our sons and daughters shall be taught
The price of liberty you bought.
We, even now, remembering yet
Remind them well, lest they forget.
That all may know and all may tell...
That history may record it well.
My prayer within this hallowed place,
"Dear Alexandre, we keep the faith."
She rises slowly and with grace
Reflected glory on her face;
The glory of the fallen ones
Who came to die... her Airborne sons
From those who live and those who sleep
from multitudes whose faith you keep
From all who fought for Liberty,
Long Live The Queen Of Normandy.
-- by Ida Rogers Schlemmer
