A Salute to A Soldier

You were a soldier then in Revolutionary times,

fighting the Red coats there,

gave up your life for the freedoms of all,

putting aside worries and all care.

Out on the common, with the musket ball,

you did right the wrongs back then,

winning our freedoms and rights to live,

under our flag, would all now begin.

You were a soldier on both sides of the line,

the blue and gray you did wear.

the hurt you felt from wounds received,

none greater than a nation to share.

With Lincoln to shepherd our country along,

and a benevolent father above,

the outcome was right, in the fight,

as you showed us your sacrifice and love.

With the great world wars of One and Two,

you soldiered onward for us all,

you bled and lost your precious life,

because you had answered your call.

The dust and smoke of battles, fierce,

almost more than a soul could bear,

amid shouts and screams of injured men,

you had more than done your share.

War in Korea and and Southeast Asia came,

and more battles you had to face,

with the concern for your fellow man,

you made us proud, as the human race.

Over the hills, and in rice paddies,

you planted our flag, risking your life that day.

you lay down your life without questioning,

saying"follow me," as you led the way.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, in these terrible wars

you've fought and from the very start,

by palm trees and amid the desert sands,

you've dug in and done your spirited part.

As soldiers, all names, there have been few called,

that could have ever better defined,

heroes, you are our sons, in all that you've done,

and in putting your lives on the line.

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