Submitted by Mindy Knight
"In World War II" he whispered,
"I was wounded by a blast."
As he began his story
Reminiscing of his past.
"I was just a boy back then,
I lied about my age.
To get into the Army
And fight for the USA.
I love this country very much,
It's still the very best.
And I would fight to keep it free,
And safe from foreign pest.
We won that war and I came home
My wounds had healed enough
To re-enlist with other men.
The Army made us tough.
Then a little flare up
In Korea called us out.
A threat against our freedom
Spreading fear without a doubt.
There I caught a bullet
When I tried to save a friend.
Another wound for Uncle Sam
They sent me home to mend."
"Soldier, have you had enough?"
My sergeant said to me.
"Or, do you want another tour,
If ever there's to be.
We would train and fight again,
If ever it need be,
Because we loved America,
We'll fight to keep it free."
"It didn't take too long.
Before my boys were off again.
We were shipped off to a war
We thought would never end.
I didn't understand it much,
If it was wrong or right.
But I was a US soldier,
And my country said, "Go Fight."
I never questioned orders
That were sent from up above.
I did it for America,
The country, that I love.
I fought to keep my country safe
Again, in Vietnam.
Then, wounded I came home again
A victim of napalm.
My fighting days were over now
And I had given all.
But some had given more than me,
Their names are on a wall.
I am now, well up in years,
A soldier old and worn.
I could only sit and pray
As I watched Desert Storm.
So proud of our boys over there,
Who stand for what is right.
Freedom is the battle cry,
The reason why they fight.
Young soldiers fight for liberty,
Protecting freedom's bliss.
Old soldiers dream of bygone days,
While fighting loneliness.
We were heroes in our day",
He said, and then he sighed.
"Forgotten in some VA, home,
And all my friends, have died.
I never ask for anything,
Just wanted to live free.
But, if you write this story,
There are many just like me.
Who fought to keep our country
Safe and free from every foe.
Only to come home again,
And have no place to go.
Sadly, when the limelight fails
Heroes fade away.
Some men fight the silent battles,
Till their dying day."
Please remember what it took,
And what we have to pay
And join with us remembering
On this Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is Special,
It is not just summer's start.
The reason that we have this day,
Should be etched on your heart.
Lives were lost, and young men died,
To keep this country free.
So take a moment on that day,
To meditate with me.
Remember all those valiant men,
And women who fought for,
The lifestyle that you now enjoy,
Because they went to war.
Author Unknown
May those who have gone before rest safely in The Creator's hand.
You and your sacrifice are NEVER forgotten.
Mindy Knight
The Legal Stuff
The material contained within The Moonduster Chronciles, the official Newsletter ("NEWSLETTER") of Operation Just Cause ("OJC") is the sole responsibility of the Editor unless otherwise indicated by a name and email address. Submissions of original work, including those written by the Editor, in all issues of "The Moonduster Chronicles" do not necessarily represent the views of Operation Just Cause, the Operation Just Cause Management, Operation Just Cause Staff or the membership of Operation Just Cause. By necessity, all submissions become the property of Operation Just Cause and The Moonduster Chronicles. Comments, criticisms and points of view are welcome. Please send them to: NL@ojc.org
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 All Rights Reserved
Operation Just Cause and The Moonduster Chronicles ®
