A Silent Prayer

Mood: tired, frustrated.
Hating: 6 and half / 7 major assignments finished.
Loving: that, at least for today, everyone remembers...
Lip-syncing: Toya Alexis -- Highway of Heroes (Never Had A Chance to Say Goodbye)

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It's the military, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's the military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

I cannot even begin to imagine what our brave soldiers have endured. I do, however, understand what they fight for. And for that, I shall be eternally grateful.

The solider 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 I've often 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 just got too steep.

"And I've 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 nor 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 solider waited quietly,
For the judgment 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."

To those who have sacrificed their lives, to those who survived, and to those who are serving...

Thank you.