this one sent a little shiver down my spine
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.'
It's the Military, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of
the
press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom
of
speech. It's the Military, not the politicians, that ensures our right
to
Life, Libertyand the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who
salutes
the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by
the flag.
If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and
appreciation for
the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who
have
served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who
have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
