Friday Nov 11 Veterans day.<br /><br /><br />THE FINAL INSPECTION<br /><br /><br />The soldier stood and faced God,<br />Which must always come to pass.<br />He hoped his shoes were shining,<br />Just as brightly as his brass.<br /><br /><br />"Step forward now, you soldier,<br />How shall I deal with you ?<br />Have you always turned the other cheek ?<br />To My Church have you been true?"<br /><br />The soldier squared his shoulders and said,<br />"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.<br />Because those of us who carry guns,<br />Can't always be a saint.<br /><br />I've had to work most Sundays,<br />And at times my talk was tough.<br />And sometimes I've been violent,<br />Because the world is awfully rough.<br /><br />But, I never took a penny,<br />That wasn't mine to keep...<br />Though I worked a lot of overtime,<br />When the bills got just too steep.<br /><br />And I never passed a cry for help,<br />Though at times ! I shook with fear.<br />And sometimes, God, forgive me,<br />I've wept unmanly tears.<br /><br />I know I don't deserve a place,<br />Among the people here.<br />They never wanted me around,<br />Except to calm their fears.<br /><br />If you've a place for me here, Lord,<br />It needn't be so grand.<br />I never expected or had too much,<br />But if you don't, I'll understand.<br /><br />There was a silence all around the throne,<br />Where the saints had often trod.<br />As the soldier waited quietly,<br />For the judgment of his God.<br /><br />Step forward now, you soldier,<br />You've borne your burdens well.<br />Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,<br />You've done your time in Hell."<br />~Author Unknown~<br /><br />It's the Soldier, not the reporter<br />who has given us the freedom of the press.<br /><br />It's the Soldier, not the poet,<br />who has given us the freedom of speech.<br /><br />It's the Soldier, not the politicians<br />that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of <br />Happiness. <br /><br />It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,<br />who serves beneath the flag,<br />and whose coffin is draped by the flag.<br /><br />If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and <br />appreciation<br />for the Military personnel,<br />please pass this on and pray for our men and women<br />who have served and are currently serving our country<br />and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for <br />freedom.
