Mr. Marks has written numerous patriotic poems that have appeared in publications ranging from Stars & Stripes, The Washington Times to literally thousands of websites, magazines, newspapers and journals as well as holding award-winning status in the International War Veteran’s Poetry Archive, and in charitable support for programs such as the Wounded Warrior Project. Mr. Marks was deeply honored to accept membership in the 390th Strategic Missile Wing Alumni Association as well as being named the Poet Laureate of the 9th Infantry Division (SONID). When Titans Walked hangs as part of the permanent display at the Titan Missile Museum in Arizona.

This effort began on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, 2000, when Michael Marks reached out to a seldom-used part of his writing background to share a small word of thanks to the troops who sacrificed so much to keep this nation safe. That poem, A Soldier's Christmas, became an internet sensation and has appeared in newspapers, magazines and newsletters around the world as well as literally thousands of web sites such as the prestigious International War Veteran's Poetry Archive, run by the incomparable Anthony Pahl.

As the body of his patriotic writings grew, Mr. Marks was deeply honored to be named the Poet Laureat of the Ninth Infantry Division (SONID) and receive the Bronze Helmet award for excellence from the International War Veteran's Poetry Archive.

The most treasured recognition however remains the numerous letters that continue to arrive from service men and women, from their families and friends, who take the time to share their responses. It is humbling beyond words to correspond with a mom who lost her son in the World Trade Center, with family members waiting for loved ones to come home, with police officers who have committed the poems to memory or to receive a performance program signed an entire 8th grade class that performed one of these poems. They have been featured in various charitable campaigns to benefit such efforts as the Wounded Warrior Project.

To this day these poems continue to circulate among millions of emails, they are performed on YouTube videos and have been performed at museum openings and public venues across the country. Media figures like Thom Richards at WOKO radio or the team of Paul Bryan and Joe Cantafio have produced incredible musical renditions that air annually across the country. Most recently, country music superstar Michael Martin Murphey produced a musical rendition of A Soldier's Christmas which was performed before cheering crowds on his national Cowboy Christmas tour.

An illustrated collection of patriotic poetry by Michael Marks, entitled What So Proudly We Hail, is currently in development. These poems can be read in their entirety by clicking on their titles below

A Soldier's Christmas
The Sands of Christmas
Reporting from the Front
Christmas Wish
A Day to Remember
The Name on the Wall

The Things I Carry
Treasures We Don't Own
When Titans Walked
Who Stands Alone
Burned in My Memory

POEMS (click to read)

Poetry and Music