The guns went silent, lest we forget.

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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Freedoms price? Meant men had to die
RIP
 
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RIP to all those who gave up there lives.

"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"
 
We pray for those who keep awake at night that we might sleep in peace.


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 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, liberty and 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.
 
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Unknown Author.
It was the tale end of an e-mail I received yesterday.

As you say, its deep and thought provoking.
 
Unknown Author.
It was the tale end of an e-mail I received yesterday.
I recieved that one too. "forward this email or you are showing huge disrespect to all soldiers that ever died in battle" etc. Nice poem, but stupid email.
 
who is it credited to?

I understand, The original was written by Peter Hornbach, Specialist, US Army and was originally entitled 'The Marine’s Final Inspection'. Another title is The Final Parade.
It's been slightly adapted to suit other occupations, so can be found in other formats.
 
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