POEMS FOR THE MEN WHO SERVED
|
Just
a Simple Soldier
He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer For a Soldier died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small. It's so easy to forget them, For it is truely so many times our men and women, Went to battle, but we know, It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier-- His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end. He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simply headline In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY." Pass On The Patriotism! YOU can make a difference
POEM
BY PAT BARNHART 1970
Skinny
is he
but
tall and cute
he's
gone from me
but
will soon return
before
making a journey
far
away across the sea
to
the hidieous war just fought for me
quit
is he
gentle
and kind
understanding
in a way unknown to me
i
met him dancing
he
was so entrancing
blue
jeans and tee shirt
are
his favorite dress
but
in a tuxcdo he's at his striking best.
I
MARRIED PAT IN 1971 STILL WITH ME
DAVID
PENDERGRAFT
A
SOLDIER'S FINAL INSPECTION
The Final Inspection The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?" The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough, And sometimes I've been violent, because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep ... Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep, And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear, And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here, They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here,Lord, It needn't be so grand, I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand." There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God, Step forward now, you soldier, You've borne your burdens well, Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell." ~~~~~Author: Unknown This Poem was sent by Doug Herier Who Served With {A
Battery 1/14th Artillery}
All
of you being patriots, I thought that you would enjoy reading this.
The only thing that I would add to it is that I am sick and
tired of the majority being pushed aside for tiny minorities such
as the guy and judge in the recent California pledge case. This
one has been around for awhile so if you have seen it before I apologize
for sending it again.
Al Simms RADAR SECTION 1/14TH ARTILLERY 198TH LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE. I think everyone on this planet needs to read this. This was sent by a > > > 78 yr old former nun. the thoughts are pure and we all understand the > > > point.... > > > > > > GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! > > > There are a few things that those who have recently come to our > > > country, and apparently some native Americans, need to understand. > > > > > > First of all, it is not our responsibility to continually try not to > > > offend you in any way. This idea of America being a multicultural > > > community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national > > > identity. > > > > > > As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own > > > language, and our own lifestyle. This culture, called the "American Way" > > > has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories > > > by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. > > > > > > Our forefathers fought, bled, and died at places such as Bunker Hill, > > > Antietam, San Juan, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, > > > Afghanistan... > > > > > > We speak English, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or > > > any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our > > > society - learn our language!" > > > > > > "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some off-the-wall, > > > Christian, Right Wing, political slogan - it is our national motto. It > > > is engraved in stone in the House of Representatives in our Capitol and > > > it is printed on our currency. We adopted this motto because Christian > > > men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation and > > > this is clearly documented throughout our history. If it is appropriate > > > for our motto to be inscribed in the halls of our highest level of > > > Government, then it is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls > > > of our schools. > > > > > > God is in our pledge, our National Anthem, nearly every patriotic song, > > > and in our founding documents. We honor His birth, death, and > > > resurrection as holidays, and we turn to Him in prayer in times of > > > crisis. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of > > > the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture and we > > > are proud to have Him. > > > > > > We are proud of our heritage and those who have so honorably defended > > > our freedoms. We celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, > > > and Flag Day. We have parades, picnics, and barbecues where we proudly > > > wave our flag. > > > > > > As an American, I have the right to wave my flag, sing my national > > > anthem, quote my national motto, and cite my pledge whenever and > > > wherever I choose. If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't > > > like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another > > > part of this planet. > > > > > > The American culture is our way of life, our heritage, and we are proud > > > of it. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and > > > we really don't care how you did things where you came from. Like it or > > > not, this is our country, our land, and our lifestyle. > > > > > > Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his > > > opinion about our government, culture, or society, and we will allow > > > you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, > > > whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or > > > our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other > > > great American freedom: > > > THE RIGHT TO LEAVE! > > > > > > Another thing: To those who do complain about the usage of words like > > > 'God' and 'American' and speaking the language of our great nation, TRY > > > GOING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY AND SPEAK AGAINST WHAT YOU DON'T LIKE. YOU > > > WILL MORE THAN LIKELY END UP JAILED OR EVEN KILLED. > > > > > > In America, you take your right to complain for granted. The more > > > patriotism that is removed from where our children are taught, the less > > > our children will learn about what it is to be an American and our > > > nation's spirit will slowly be killed. Keep patriotism alive. ! > > > > > > If you agree, pass this onto other Americans!! > > > > > > It is time to take a stand!! > > > > > > God Bless America and our Military and Veterans!!! |