In Remembrance of All Who Have Served to Protect Our Freedom

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast.
He loved to sit around the Legion telling stories of the past.
Of battles he had fought and the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies they were heroes every one.
And though sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke,
all his Legion buddies listened, for they knew of what he spoke.
Now we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away.
Now the world’s a little poorer; a common soldier died today.
He’ll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife;
for he lived an uneventful, quiet, ordinary life.
He held a job and raised a family, calmly going his own way.
The world little notes his passing. A common soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state.
Thousands mourn their passing and proclaim that they were great.
One less common soldier goes unnoticed and unsung;
the schools will all stay open and the church bells won’t be rung.
Now – is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
by a person who breaks promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife
goes off to serve his country and offer up his life?
It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago
that the “Old Bills” of our country went to battle – but we know –
That it was not the politicians, with their promises and ploys,
who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin;
but, his presence should remind us that we might need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part
is to clean up all the messes that politicians love to start.
If we will not pay him honor while he’s away to hear the praise,
then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice in the paper that would say:
Our country is in mourning; a common soldier died today.

Author Unknown

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