05/25/2026
A Memorial Day letter from Evan:
On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedom. We extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans, those currently serving, and the families who carry the weight of service alongside them. May we never forget the courage, devotion, and selflessness of our fallen heroes. Today, we remember them with love, respect, and eternal gratitude.
I Have a Rendezvous with Death
by Alan Seeger
"I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple-blossoms fill the air—
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.
It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath—
It may be I shall pass him still.
I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round again this year
And the first meadow-flowers appear.
God knows 'twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
Where Love throbs out in blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear ...
But I've a rendezvous with Death
At midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north again this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous."
Alan Seeger was an American citizen who fought with the French Foreign Legion during World War I. He was ultimately killed in action during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Although his words here may seem harsh and bittersweet, they resonate deeply on Memorial Day because they capture the solemn reality of military service. The understanding that duty, honor, and commitment sometimes require the ultimate sacrifice. This poem reflects not only the courage of those who served, but also the emotional weight carried by those who loved them.
The repeated line, “I have a rendezvous with Death,” is powerful because it speaks with calm acceptance rather than fear. Seeger did not glorify death recklessly; instead, he acknowledged that soldiers often confront danger knowingly and willingly because they believe in something greater than themselves. Many military families understand this difficult truth—the awareness that their loved one answered a call that carried real risk.
The poem’s setting in springtime is especially poignant and appropriate for Memorial Day, since spring traditionally symbolizes life, renewal, hope, and beauty. Yet this is contrasted with war and conflict. Memorial Day similarly arrives at the beginning of summer, during a season of gatherings and celebration, while asking the nation to pause and remember those whose lives ended before they could fully enjoy the peace they defended.
We know that soldiers are not indifferent to love, family, comfort, or life at home. They cherish these things deeply. But despite those desires, they remained “true” to their pledged word. That idea of devotion to duty—placing service above personal safety—is something many veterans and their families recognize intimately.
The final line, “I shall not fail that rendezvous,” reflects resolve, honor, and fidelity to one’s oath. For our Fallen 15 community of families and veterans alike, those words echo the memory of service members who fulfilled their duty even at great personal cost.
