PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

In their honor: Belgrade poet hopes to create memorials of all troops who died in Iraq, Afghanistan

St. Cloud Times
July 27, 2008

Belgrade [Minn.] poet Rance White hopes to secure the funds to create a memorial for each military member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. White also hopes to raise money for a scholarship fund for children of the deceased.

How to donate

Rance White is looking for donations so he can continue on his quest to make memorials for each of the [more than] 4,100 soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 736, Belgrade, MN 56312 or by calling 320-293-6736. Make checks payable to Wings of a Dove Inc.

Belgrade resident Rance White wrote the following poem to go with the memorials he’s making for soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Amazing love, how can it be;
That you would give your life for me?
More than just a call to serve;
More, much more, is what you heard.
Encouraged by an inner strength;
With head held high, stepped out in faith.
Riding into parts unknown;
Flying far away from home.
In times of fear and times of doubt,
That voice inside would have to shout.
Courage, honor, esprit de corps;
Are these the things worth fighting for?
Are these your thoughts in midst of war …
Or tell me, is there something more?
Nancy, Sally, Paul and Ted.
Cathy, Dorrie, Bill and Fred?
Heaven fell silent as your name was read …
‘Twas in service to others, your blood was shed.
Entering on the streets of gold
God was waiting, your hand to hold.
Running to greet you, His arms open wide
Embraced you, held you, stood there and cried.
On earth, our voices in chorus wept …
This lesson in love, we’ll never forget!