Stars, Bars and Midnight Cars

I watched them land
Surveyed the band  
Heard that hollow lasting ring
Of bugles and of plastic strings
To serenade what fuel should bring
Across the miles and clearing skies
I saw their shattered widowed wives

For there were planes with death their load
Until we rolled upon the road
To tombs so we could sing a hymn
And raise a stone to breathless kin

Glory dressed in polished best
They fired east then fired west
And even clear in shining gear
These mortal men were rendered drear
By bright bouquets and glowing sun
Still that giant burned unmoved