God Bless Our Troops

On Tax Day, there are a few good things our tax money goes to and the main one is the defense of our country. To that end, I am publishing this poem that I received from a British relative. While it was part of an email honoring British Troops in Afganistan (by the way, thank you gentlemen), I think the poem honors all good soldiers.

So....God Bless Our American Soldiers and Our British Allies. God keep them and return them home safe. Amen. Now I will see you at a TEA Party protest.

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 isn'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 judgement 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 Forces, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the Press.

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

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

It's the Forces, that salutes the flag, that serves beneath it, who's coffins are draped by it.