Back in 1898, our country heard the call to war.

Some claimed that Cuban freedom was a cause worth fighting for.

Pulitzer and Hearst weighed in to sway the nation’s will,

And it wasn’t very long till we were taking San Juan Hill.

The Maine went down, and all around revengeful cries were heard,

Although it wasn’t certain how that sinking had occurred.

But it didn’t really matter, ’cause McKinley seized the quill,

And next our regiments were making plans for taking San Juan Hill.

And what a story there to tell, beyond the battle calls and cries –

It was the ending of an empire, with another on the rise.

Jerry Harris

Durango