I thank them for the love they shared,
I praise them for the children they raised,
And honor them for the generations they multiplied.
I thank them for the fields they plowed,
I praise them for the crops they planted,
And honor them for the food they reaped.
I thank our explorers who discovered new lands,
I praise those who started new settlements,
And honor those who created our countries.
I thank those who defended our kingdoms,
I praise them for the wars that they fought,
And honor those who died well in battle.
I thank those who braved cold winds, and deep snow,
I praise those who were stronger than the plague,
And honor those who struggled through famine.
I thank them for our wonderful culture,
I praise those who kept our religion alive,
And honor our ancestors for the heritage they passed down.
My life, our lives, are a living testament to all that they were.
We are the living monument that stands before the Gods,
And honors the memories of those who came before us.
- Glenn Bergen, Copyright, 2012.