Lest We Forget

[jimeve]

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 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~
This brought a tear to my eyes.

[Englishman2010]

There does seem to have been a bit more coverage of Armistace Day this year, I really hope that future generations continue to remember our war heroes, not out of nationalistic pride that we beat the Germans, but for the sacrifices made by so many ordinary men and women and so that no one forgets the brutality of war, and that it is only ever used as a last resort when all peaceful negotiations have failed.
I wonder how many wars there would be if the leaders and politicians who 'bravely' send our heroes into battle had to spend 6 months on the front lines?

[sars_notd_virus]

least we forget the 'female combatants' as well who fought , served and died in world war II

[joebloggs]

least we forget the 'female combatants' as well who fought , served and died in world war II

and the animal kingdom ..




http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4037873.stm

[Terpe]

jimeve
THE FINAL INSPECTION

I hadn't come across that one before. Thought it was very good.
I've put that in my archive.