Author Topic: The Final Inspection  (Read 2294 times)

Offline 3425Centennial

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The Final Inspection
« on: November 11, 2005, 02:03:29 PM »

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~




    It's the Soldier, not the reporter
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the Soldier, not the politicians
that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Soldier 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.

Offline Michigunner

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Re: The Final Inspection
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2005, 02:19:32 PM »
Thanks for the fine words.  This is a very special time for remembering.

Bill


« Last Edit: November 11, 2005, 02:21:25 PM by Michigunner »

Offline theirishguard

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Re: The Final Inspection
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2005, 04:36:51 PM »
God bless all of our folks in the military on this day!
Tom
Tom Watson, DVC , Quis Separabit ,  Who dares wins, Utrinque Paratus

Offline Richard S

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Re: The Final Inspection
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2005, 07:25:20 PM »
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD ( 1872-1918 )
Canadian Army


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.






[glb]VETERANS DAY, 2005[/glb]
« Last Edit: November 12, 2005, 07:55:50 AM by Richard_S »
(1963-1967) "GO ARMY!"