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Youth’s poem honors military service
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Lordstown High School freshman Jacqueline Acierno (14) has a big heart when it comes to military men and women. And she wanted a way to thank them in her own words.
In honor of her uncle and all of the military men and women that serve, Acierno has written and dedicated a poem to them, titled “As I Lie Here.”
She said it is a small token of appreciation for all branches of the military. She wants them to know that they are appreciated.
“They give so much for our country and don’t ask for anything in return, except a thank you,” she said.
She grew up hearing about her great-grandfather who served in WWII and her uncle, Les Brode, who is currently a Senior Master Sgt. is in the U.S, Air Force.
He has been deployed on several occasions. He served in Desert Storm, spent 2001 to 2002 in Saudi Arabia and was called up in 2003 for a tour in Kuwait.
“I didn’t know if he would come back,” Acierno said. “My uncle really had an impact on me.
“We take so much for granted. If we didn’t have people fighting for us, we would have no freedom.”
Acierno is a sergeant in Vienna’s Civil Air Patrol. Acierno enjoys the experience because of the values that are instilled in each member. She said they are like a big family that helps each other grow and learn.
Acierno plans to join the Air Force ROTC when she attends college and enlist into the Air Force as a commissioned officer upon graduation.
As I lie here,
The light starts to fade.
The room turns black,
My eyes start to close.
As I lie here
In my pool of blood,
My life flashes before me
Within a matter of seconds.
As I lie here
I think of all the wrongs
I have done.
I wish I could take them back.
As I lie here
I think to myself,
How did this happen?
How could I let it happen?
As I lie here
I see the positive side.
I’ve died for my country,
My blood is in its soil.
As I lie here
Light turns to darkness.
I close my eyes
With pride in my heart.