THE
FINAL
INSPECTION
The Marine 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, Marine,
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 Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step
forward now, you Marine,
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,
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.
THESE
COLORS DON'T
RUN
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Take
Time To Stop And Smell The Roses
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