Joyce Kilmer

Joyce Kilmer, an American poet, journalist, and lecturer, was born on December 6, 1886, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is best known for his poem "Trees," which was first published in 1913 and has since become one of the most beloved American poems. Kilmer attended Rutgers College and later Columbia University, where he displayed early promise as a writer. After marrying Aline Murray in 1908, he converted to Catholicism, a faith that deeply influenced his work.

Kilmer's poetry is noted for its spiritual depth and reverence for nature. He worked for various publications, including the New York Times, and gained a reputation for his clear, lyrical style. Despite his success in literature, Kilmer's life was marked by personal challenges, including the death of his daughter Rose from polio.

When World War I broke out, Kilmer enlisted in the U.S. Army, driven by a sense of duty and patriotism. He served as a sergeant in the 165th Infantry Regiment, part of the famed Rainbow Division. Tragically, Kilmer was killed in action on July 30, 1918, during the Second Battle of the Marne in France. His legacy endures through his poetic contributions and his ultimate sacrifice.