Following is a poem by “RadioRon” Stelse, titled: “Bullets and Bravery.”

The poem, Stelse said, was written in 2017, and has been read aloud during Fort Atkinson Fourth of July-related events.

An abridged version of the poem is below. A video of Stelse reading the poem in 2021 during an “American Patriotic Pops” concert held in Barrie Park also is found below.

Bullets and Bravery 

I held a wooden gun in my hands today

It had a very unnerving feel

that’s as close as I can come to killing

and soldier, your gun is made of steel.

So when bullets are flying and buddies are dying

please know we will not forget

the green recruit, the gritty soldier

and of course, the all American vet.

and when it comes to bullets

not all of us are brave

since we can’t be there and you can’t be here

then soldier, it’s our lives you save.

and if the Reaper shows his face

then make a ‘V’ sign as your reminder

that what you did today

makes the world a little kinder.

so do we cry and weep

and care if one of you departs?

the answer is proven with every beat

of our freedom-loving hearts.